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Gujarat to emulate Kerala in medical tourism [top of page]
Kochi: Describing the controversy surrounding Amitabh Bachchan being the brand ambassador of Gujarat as unfortunate, Jay Narayan Vyas, Minister for Health and Tourism in the Narendra Modi Cabinet, said here on Monday that Mr. Bachchan was a star who had few parallels in the country.
The Minister said he would not be able to comment on the indecision on an invitation to Mr. Bachchan for being Kerala Tourism's brand ambassador as he was not aware of the full facts.
At a press meeting in connection with the visit of an eight-member delegation to invite non-resident Gujaratis here for the 50 {+t} {+h} anniversary celebrations of the formation of Gujarat on May 1, Mr. Vyas said people such as Mr. Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar had risen to fame because of their talent and hard work. They should be respected. The Minister said Gujarat would like to emulate Kerala in promoting medical tourism. With strong infrastructure and world-class medical facilities, Gujarat hoped to be part of the $10-trillion world tourism trade.
Source : The Hindu
Dated: 06th April 2010.
Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa awaits Presidential inauguration [top of page]
Gangtok,
April 12: A unique tourism attraction fusing cultural ethos of Sikkim
with modern amusement amenities is set to be added to the growing tourism
itinerary of the State on April 15 when President Pratibha Patil will be
inaugurating the mega tourism project, Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa cum
socio-cultural amusement park at Ranka, East Sikkim.
Locals from the Ranka circuit which also hosts the famous Lingdum monastery
and Banjakhri Falls is will be vastly benefiting from the new mega tourism
point expected to fetch a rich haul of tourists presently flooding Gangtok.
The concept behind the Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa park is to providing
wholesome entertainment to tourists with a blend of depiction of rich
cultural heritage and modern amusement amenities, said State Rural
Management & Development secretary Anil Ganeriwala.
Built at estimated cost of around Rs. 50 crores, the park is spread over an
area of 17 acres boasting a variety of cultural tourism attractions
including the dome shaped Sikkim Panaroma along with bowling alleys,
swimming pools and other modern amusement amenities like laser shows and
colourful musical fountains.
“The project was conceived by the Chief Minister in 2005 and works started
from June 2006”, said Ganeriwala adding that project was first of its kind
in Sikkim.
Billed as the major cultural tourism attraction in the park, the dome shaped
Sikkim Panorama houses relief features of important places of Sikkim
starting from low lying areas to Mt Khangchendzonga. The relief features are
made from fiber glass. There are also murals of the ethnic communities of
Sikkim in the Sikkim Panorama along with traditional huts.
The park also has a rain forest café, a unique food joint with glass floors
over a natural stream with lots of greenery.
The park will be a new feature in the tourism attractions in and around
Gangtok and we hope to extend the visit of tourists by one more day with
this new attraction, said Ganeriwala.
Around Rs. 30 crores is expected to be pumped into local economy with this
new tourism attraction as tourists will be encouraged to extend their visit
to Sikkim by one more day benefiting a host of tourism service providers.
With limited recreational avenues in Gangtok, local residents here also
stand to benefit to enjoy their spare time with their families at the
Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa park.
Source: Sikkim Express
Dated: 12th April 2010.
President Patil arrives in Sikkim
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Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa inauguration today
Gangtok,
April 14: President Pratibha Patil arrived at Gangtok today afternoon
for a three day tour of Sikkim. She landed at 3:20 pm in a special IAF
chopper at Libing Army helipad here.
The President was given a warm welcome by Acting Governor MK Narayan, Chief
Minister Pawan Chamling, cabinet ministers and a host of dignitaries.
The Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army presented a guard of honour to the
President on her arrival at the helipad. She is accompanied by her husband,
Devi Singh Ransingh and relatives for her second visit to Sikkim starting
from today till April 16.
This is her second visit to the State. President Patil had visited Sikkim as
the Governor of Rajasthan, few years back.
The President proceeded straight to Raj Bhavan after her arrival.
Tomorrow, the President will be inaugurating the Khangchendzonga Tourist
Villa-cum-socio-cultural amusement park, a mega tourism project at Ranka,
East Sikkim.
The tourism park, constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs. 50 crores,
is based on a fusion of cultural ethos of Sikkim and modern amusement
amenities.
After inaugurating the mega tourism attraction, President Patil will be
addressing the maiden convocation of Sikkim University on April 16 at
Saramsa Garden, Ranipool, around 14 kms away from here.
The President is also the Visitor of Sikkim University, the 23rd University
of the country which had been established by an Act of the Parliament on
July 2, 2007. The university had become operational from the 2008-09
academic session heralding a multi-disciplinary semester system in the four
government colleges and five private higher educational institutions in the
State.
As per the information from Sikkim University, President Patil will be
addressing the first very first convocation of the university at the
conference hall of Saramsa Garden. The memorable occasion will also be
attended by West Bengal Governor MK Narayan who has been given the
additional charge of Sikkim.
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will also be attending the first convocation
of Sikkim University along with university Chancellor Prof MS Swaminathan,
it is informed.
Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University, Prof Mahendra P Lama will be
presenting the progress report of the university on the occasion.
Before attending the Sikkim University function, the President is also
scheduled to inaugurate the concluding ceremony of the year long Golden
Jubilee celebrations of Sikkim High Court on April 16 morning. The function
will be attended by Governor of Sikkim, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling,
former Chief Justices and Judges of the Sikkim High Court.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations which commenced on April 17, 2009 was marked
with a series of events, including seminars, legal awareness camps, cultural
programmes and interface with criminal justice functionaries.
Source: Sikkim Express
Dated: 14th April 2010.
15th April, 2010 [top of page]
Inauguration of Tourist Villa cum Socio Cultural Amusement Park at Ranka
Ranka:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am extremely pleased to be in Sikkim and am deeply touched by the warm welcome accorded to me. The beauty of the State with the majestic Kangchenjunga in the background, as also its friendly and peaceful people has made a profound impression on me. I convey to the people of Sikkim my very warm greetings.
I am happy to inaugurate the Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-Socio-Cultural and Amusement Park, which has been created in a manner that will not only make tourists comfortable, but also give them the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the local culture and lifestyle. I would also like to congratulate the Government of Sikkim for the vision and foresight to have conceptualized and created this world class tourism infrastructure, in a time-bound manner.
I am happy that the State is developing rapidly as a tourist destination and, over the past few years, there has been a phenomenal increase in the inflow of both domestic and foreign tourists. The reasons for Sikkim being a very popular tourist destination are many. It is a land steeped in legend and tradition. It is often referred to as the land of the hidden paradise, because of its scenic mountains, valleys and forests that are blessed with rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It offers options of mountaineering, trekking and adventure sports. It has potential for village, religious and eco-tourism. The growth of tourism has been possible because of the peace loving people of Sikkim, and I complement them. Tourism can be a leading sector in Sikkim both in terms of generating revenue and in creating work opportunities. It is, however, important to develop a sustainable model for tourism that is conducive for the development of the State and benefits the local people. The youth of the State can be given proper training so that they can find employment in this sector, which in turn will benefit with better management skills.
I am glad that as a part of the Year of Tourism 2010, the Government of Sikkim is organizing the International Rhododendron Festival with a view to create awareness that the original habitat of this flowering plant are the Himalayas. I am told that an ancient folk tale, often narrated here, is about ‘Kemo Reep’ a species of the Rhododendron. Such is your deep relationship with nature. Sikkim’s variegated fauna and flora with its many species of plants, flowers and trees which are a rich repository of medicinal and aromatic herbs have made it one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. Its natural splendor and ecology are still unspoilt. I do hope that this respect towards the environment is carried forward through generations, so that the incredible beauty and peace of this land is preserved.
Sikkim is a multi-ethnic society and it is admirable the way people live together in harmony. Indeed, pluralism is one of the very basic characteristics of our nation and it is our strength. It is my wish that harmony, peace, growth and prosperity reach every part of the country and every section of society. All states, all regions and all citizens are a part of the effort to build a strong and democratic country. The progress and prosperity of India will only be achieved when each and every of its states progress. Sikkim with its many natural resources and good social indicators is a contributor to national growth. Sikkim has also shown that while moving on the path of development, we can retain our distinctive culture and maintain ecological balance. I recall giving the first Nirmal Rajya Award to Sikkim in 2008, when it became the first State in the country to achieve 100 percent sanitation. I am told that the State Government is now moving towards providing housing to all by next year, and to make Sikkim a poverty free State by 2015. These are important objectives. I congratulate and pay compliments to the Chief Minister of Sikkim for setting these goals, and am confident that with political guidance, time bound implementation and proper monitoring, these targets will be achieved.
In our country, education has become a fundamental right for all children between the ages of 6 to 14 years. This will be important for Sikkim, a State which has 60 percent of its population below 24 years. Our endeavor is to make our youth energetic and educated. They must have the knowledge and the ability to work, earn and most importantly, contribute to the development of the nation. The literacy rate here is good, but efforts towards reducing school drop outs and ensuring the girl child goes to school must continue, as also to create higher education facilities. I am very happy that during the course of my stay in Sikkim, I would be participating in the first convocation of Sikkim University. I call upon young people to take full advantage of opportunities that are before them.
With 64 percent of the population of the State dependent on agriculture there is need to focus on rural development, on enhancing agricultural productivity and on increasing the income levels of the rural population. The climate obtaining here is conducive for cultivation of a range of crops, flowers and fruits. Agro based industries close to rural areas will lead to value addition at the local level and provide employment.
I believe that all sections of society must be included in the development process so that they all prosper. I am told that women, who constitute about 47 percent of the population of Sikkim, are hard working and enterprising. They should be provided opportunities to progress and to be financially secure. I would also like to emphasize the need for establishing vocational training institutes for women. They must also be encouraged to set up their own small enterprises through Self Help Groups.
In conclusion, I would like to once again convey my good wishes to the gentle and wise people of the State. Dances are an integral part of Sikkimese culture and the performances today vividly depicted their variety and grace. With these words, I once again thank the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Government and the people for the hospitality and warm welcome.
Thank You.
International Rhododendron Festival 2010 to begin in Sikkim today [top of page]
The International Rhododendron Festival 2010, the first of its kind in the entire Himalayas, is beginning in Sikkim on Sunday.
West Bengal Governor MK Narayanan, who is holding additional charge of Sikkim Governor, will inaugurate the festival at the picturesque Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary in the high altitude snow clad North Sikkim district. AIR Gangtok correspondent reports, Sikkim is the treasure trove of Rhododendrons of the nation with 36 species of the flora ,said to be around 72 percent of the country’s Rhododendron species. The word Rhododendron is a Greek term which means the Rose Tree.
The Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, the venue of the inaugural function, itself is the repository of over 30 species of Rhododendrons which are the glory of the Sikkim Himalayas.
The year long event has been visualized and initiated with an aim to encash on this rich natural resource with tourism footfalls.
It is also aimed at generating awareness and promoting the conservation of Sikkim’s rich heritage of Rhododendrons at a global level.
Source: News Tiger
Dated: 25th April 2010.
Blooming Rose-Trees and Unusual Early Wild Flower B(l)oom in Sikkim [top of page]
Blooming Rose-Trees and
Unusual Early Wild Flower B(l)oom in Sikkim:
S. T. Lachungpa & Usha Lachungpa
Blooming Rose-Trees and Unusual Early Wild Flower B(l)oom in Sikkim ‘Huin-paatey Gurans’ or the Snow-leaved Rhodo, our State Tree
Never perhaps has the State Tree flowered so magnificently. All these years we looked for a good photograph of our ‘Huin-paatey Gurans’ or the Snow-leaved Rhodo, our State Tree. A recent trip to Lachung Valley was all it took for all of us to have it imprinted in our hearts and minds forever. Determined and stubborn were unusual words that came to mind. The roads were under maintenance, traffic was omnipresent, and there were these sturdy defenceless little bushes holding up rich deep mauve blossoms like so many offerings of love, all within arm’s reach; what a riot of colour it was. The winding route was ablaze with the incandescent Kemo Reep (‘Lali Gurans’) in full flowering splendour, shrubs of Rhodos of different species just bursting with buds or blossoms, Niveums begging us to stop and stare, the short Ciliatums gladdening the grounds already peppered with proud Primulas unafraid of grazing yaks and their gambolling calves.
Spring 2010 is early in Sikkim. Till last year, peak flowering season was around mid-May with unusually good flowering of Rhododendrons, Primulas and many other wild flowers. Advanced by about a month, this year has seen some unusual microclimatic changes, which has heralded better tourism potential. Added to this are the healthier practices adopted by the natives in recent times, aided by corresponding government efforts. Till late ‘90s, most high altitude residents burned the slow-growing Rhododendrons for firewood. It is only a couple of decades since Rhododendrons were declared by the
State Forest Department as a ‘Plantation Species’ and banned green felling in our mountains. Side-by-side firewood alternatives like LPG were introduced. Livelihood alternatives were enhanced by Eco-Tourism efforts. For one, prior to 1995, there were hardly any hotels in the famous Lachung and Lachung Valleys. Now there are over a 100 hotels from basic traditional homestays to 3-Star facilities. And thanks to the Dzumsa banning felling of Rhododendrons, aided by various plantation efforts the wilderness areas have rejuvenated the pristine look we advertise. Border Roads Organization and M/S Teesta Urja are also facilitating arrangements for the International Rhododendron Festival from 25 April-15 may 2010.
Our Rhododendrons have just increased the overall charm of tempting destinations like Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang, Yuksom, Barsey, Maenam, Kyongnosla and other areas and raised the bar for real ‘Eco’ Tourism in Sikkim.
Source: Voice of Sikkim
Dated: 25th April 2010.
Sikkim successful in conserving rhododendron species: CM [top of page]
Gangtok,
April 29: “My endeavor has been to promote a balanced growth in Sikkim
by duly preserving everything in original in nature and bring the best
practices of modern development instrument available in the world. This also
means bringing in paradigm shift on sustainable manner and diversify
people’s profession into service sector”, remarked Chief Minister Pawan
Chamling today during the inaugural session of an international conference
on ‘Rhododendrons-conservation and sustainable use’.
The conference was organized by State forest department at Saramsa Garden,
Ranipool and attended by delegates from other parts of the country and from
Sweden, Germany, Bhutan and Netherlands.
Placing Sikkim has been able to conserve the rhododendron species, the Chief
Minister pointed out that Sikkim is one of the most ideal cases of
practicing biodiversity conservation programme with over 30 percent
geographical area coverage under protected network.
“I feel that conservation of rhododendron within natural habit is the best
approach and the State government has been successful in maintaining the
natural habitation of the floral species”, said Chamling.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
and seven wildlife sanctuaries have rhododendrons in their pristine state.
Two of them, Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
are fully devoted to conservation of one of the most beautiful wild genetic
resource, the rhododendrons, he added.
Chamling also highlighted the conservation measures taken by the State
government since the early 1990s. Many of them were hard decisions,
politically unpleasant decisions tantamount to unsettling the
business-as-usual mindset of some section of the people, he said.
Facing upfront all the perceived risks, the State government has
successfully adopted many conservation measures including blanket bans and
mass afforestation drive as long-term strategy for the conservation of
biological resources.
“As one of the eighteen biodiversity hotspots, Sikkim offers wide range of
opportunity to promote eco-tourism together with related concepts like
village tourism, culture tourism, nature tourism, homestay and as far as
concept like Ekanth-bas deep into the forest”, said the Chief Minister.
The State government’s measures for ecology protection were well received by
foreign delegates participating in the meet.
Prof Lau Trass who is a member of Dutch Rhododendron Society said that it is
always a wonderful experience for Europeans to see rhododendrons in bloom in
natural habitats as compared to Europe where rhododendrons are cultivated
for collection or for parks.
“There is special support from the Sikkim government to conservation of
rhododendrons and this is facilitating lot of activities. This makes Sikkim
one of the central places in the world where one can see rhododendrons
species grow in their natural best and how they originates”, said Prof Trass
to media.
Dr Rebacca Pradhan from Royal Society for Protection of Nature from Bhutan
said that biodiversity conservation programmes in Sikkim will be successful
as the head of the Government himself is committed towards environment. The
leader here himself so concerned about protecting environment, she said.
Earlier, State forest minister Bhim Dhungel expressed his confidence that
the deliberations during the conference will go a long way in the
conservation of rhododendron species in the world.
State forest secretary ST Lachungpa placed the welcome address while former
chief secretary KC Pradhan presented an overview of Sikkim Himalayan
rhododendrons.
Technical sessions on various aspects of rhododendrons conservation followed the inaugural session.
Source : Sikkim Express
Dated: 29th
April, 2010
Tourism treats in store at Kappad [top of page]
Tourism promotion:The mascot of the India International Kite
Festival taking a walk down the Kappad Beach in Kozhikode on stilts, much to
the excitement of a little boy.
Kozhikode: The first phase of beautification works at Kappad Beach is over and the spruced up section of the beach will be opened to the public on May 1 by Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. The Minister will also inaugurate the three-day India International Kite Festival at Kappad.
Speaking to presspersons at Kappad, Koyilandy MLA P. Viswan said the Kite Festival was among the many projects on the anvil to tap the tourism potential of Koyilandy. The Kappad Beach Beautification project is estimated to cost Rs.7 crore, of which Rs.1.5 crore has been spent on constructing an elevated platform as a beach walkway. The platform is 183 metres long and 15.5-19.9 metres wide. The walkway also has a cafeteria, rain shelters, gas lamps and toilets.
Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society had undertaken the beach beautification work. A sea wall has also been built at a cost of Rs.2.5 crore.
Mr. Viswan also released the mascot of the kite festival at Kappad on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Viswan said that a Kappad Destination Management Council has been formed with the MLA as chairman and the secretary of the District Tourism Promotion Council, B. Anand as convenor to manage the daily tourism related schemes at Kappad.
Cause of concern
Mr. Viswan said indiscriminate sand-mining along the Koyilandy coast near Kappad was a cause for worry. He said some youngsters were looking to make quick money without understanding the environmental damage they were causing. The MLA said that he had requested for a Police Aid Post to be set up at Kappad.
Teams from eight countries and ten Indian States will take part in the kite festival. On April 30, the team from Kuwait will give a demonstration on kite flying on the beach. On May 1, a workshop in kite flying will be conducted for children.
Among the special kites that will be flown at the festival include are a 100-feet long kite called White Tiger from Kuwait, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) Kite that can only be flown at night from South Korea and a musical stunt kite show by a team from South Korea.
Source: The Hindu
Dated 29th April.2010
Eco-tourism project work to begin soon [top of page]
At home:Elephants tethered at the modern elephant shelters at
the Elephant Camp of the Forest Department at Konni.
Pathanamthitta: The Forest Department will launch work on the third phase of the multi-crore eco-tourism project at the Elephant Camp at Konni soon, P. Pukazhenthi, Divisional Forest Officer, has said.
Talking to The Hindu here on Wednesday, Mr. Pukazhenthi said tender proceedings of the proposed butterfly park and children's park at the Elephant Camp was under way. The eco-tourism centre has been developed jointly by the departments of forest and tourism at the nine-acre Elephant Camp in January, 2007, making it a base station facilitating various eco-tourism activities in the region.
The camp houses modern elephant shelters, elephant kraal, a photo gallery, mini-theatre, biogas plant, retiring rooms for mahouts and shops that sell forest produce. The DFO said the third phase of the project was aimed at setting up new entertainment facilities, besides improving the existing ones.
He said the nine-decade-old Forest Inspection Bungalow at Naduvathumoozhy would be converted into a guest house-cum-heritage interpretation centre. Butterfly park Mr. Pukazhenthi said the proposed butterfly park would be a home to hundreds of colourful butterflies, including some rare species. Depletion of green cover owing to fast pace of development had been posing threat to butterfly population even in rural areas.
The DFO said the proposed eco-friendly park would be enclosed in a polycarbonate dome suitably designed for weather control and to educate the visitors about how various systems of nature worked, using this insect as a model.
He said tree-top huts had also been planned as part of the third phase. Elephant safari is a major tourist attraction at the camp. An elephant at the camp costs Rs.100. The sojourn on the elephant is a thrilling experience and it offers a unique opportunity to appreciate and enjoy nature. Though the camp houses five elephants, the department has been conducting elephant ride only on a 23-year-old female elephant ‘Anuradha.' Mr. Pukazhenthi said rock climbing and river rafting would also be introduced in the third phase of development. Vana Samrakshana Samithi workers had been appointed as guides to take tourists for jungle treks as well as various other eco-tourism activities, he said.
Source: The Hindu
Dated 29th April, 2010