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Rs. 40.5 cr for Sikkim forest conservation [top of page]
Gangtok,
March 3: Not exactly a Green Bonus as promised by Jairam Ramesh but
Sikkim and other green States has something to cheer with the 13th Finance
Commission recommending that much of the Rs. 5000 crores grants for forestry
promotion in the country would be linked to the number of approved working
plans which the State forest department prepares.
Lately, States which high forest cover like Sikkim have
been pressing upon the Centre for compensation as they carry the burden of
maintaining green cover for the country through emphasis on forest
conservation at the cost of developmental projects.
Accepting this viewpoint, the 13th Finance Commission has
recommended that the Rs. 5000 grants for forest and environment conservation
would be united but priority should be given to the preparation of working
plans. Release of grants for the last three years
is linked to progress in the number of approved working plans, said the
commission.
Sikkim’s share in the grant in-aid for forests of Rs.
5000 crores recommended by the 13th Finance Commission is Rs. 40.56 crores
from 2010 to 2015. Among the Northeastern States, Arunachal Pradesh has been
allocated the highest forestry grant of Rs. 727.84 crores.
The commission has stated that of the total grants
released, 75 per cent can be used by States for development purposes. The
remaining 25 per cent of the grants in these three years is for preservation
of forest wealth and is meant to be an additionality to the States’ budget
for development of forestry and wildlife. Release of grants in the last
three years of the award period shall be linked to progress on approval of
working plans, the commission said. The commission
recorded that the forests of India constitute the first line of defence
against pollution resulting from economic activity, whether of agricultural
or industrial origin. Recognizing this, the last
finance commission had provided a grant of Rs. 1000 crores to States,
distributed between them in accordance with the share accounted for by each
in the total forested acreage in the country.
Source: Sikkim Express,
Dated: 03/03/2010.
Another feather on Sikkim tourism cap
[top
of page]
Sikkim gets ‘Best State for Tourism related programmes 2008-09’ national
award
Gangtok,
March 5: The Himalayan State has yet again added another national award
to its tourism kitty.
Sikkim was recently conferred with the National Award in the category ‘Best
State for Tourism related programmes 2008-09’, making this its ninth
consecutive award in the category.
Vice President M Hamid Ansari presented the award to State Tourism Minister
Bhim Dhungel on March 3 in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister for
Tourism Kumari Selja, Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed and
Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Sujit Banerjee.
The Ministry of Tourism Government of India gives away annual award of
excellence to States and people engaged in Tourism promotion.
“Sikkim has emerged as one of the best tourist destinations in the country.
The destination development has taken a big boost in the last few years.
With the sincere efforts of the State Government and stake holders, tourism
in Sikkim has seen a major positive change for the betterment of the society
as a whole,” State Tourism Secretary SBS Bhadauria said in a press release
issued today.
He further said that there has been a phenomenal increase in inflow of
tourists in the State both domestic and foreign. “Star category hotels have
been constructed because of which Sikkim can now expect world class quality
tourists,” the secretary said adding that village tourism and home stays
facilities have promoted local culture and traditions and enhanced
sustainable self employment.
The department has further hoped that with the declaration of 2010 as the
Year of Tourism Sikkim will place itself in the forefront in the world
tourism map.
The department has at the same time thanked all the stakeholders and others
related to promotion of tourism for their strong support and co-operation.
Source: Sikkim Express
Dated: 5th March 2010.
Sikkim extremely environmental friendly: Chamling [top of page]
Gangtok,
March 8: The vice President of German Development Bank (KfW), Dr. Jens
Mackensen called on the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling at his official
residence in Mintokgang here on March 6.
The KfW team also included Senior Project Manager, Dr. Marcus Stewen and
Nand Kishore Agarwal, Project Manager. Minister for Science
and Technology Department, Bhim Dhungel and the Secretary, ML.Arrawatia were also present on the occasion. During the brief meeting Dr.
Mackensen informed Mr. Chamling how the programmes on climate change adaptation was the main objective of the German Development Bank
in five of the North Eastern States, and how they have also been working on the economic development of the rural people by providing financial
aid. He also expressed his desire to work in tandem with the Sikkim Government in the field of Global warming and climate change if given an
opportunity. Dr. Mackensen praised the advanced steps taken by the Government of Sikkim on Climate Change and also expressed his
contentment about how the state is well governed under the leadership of Mr. Chamling. He also added that Sikkim is one of the most beautiful
places in India with its tranquil and peaceful environment. On the other hand, Chief Minister informed them about how his government was
working sincerely on the serious subjects like climate change and global warming in the state by introducing flagship programmes like Green
mission, eco tourism etc. He also enlightened them on how Sikkim was one of
the most conscious states on this issue in India.
Expressing his desire to work with them on the subject Mr. Chamling further
informed that people of Sikkim are extremely environmental friendly, and
also conscious and concerned on these crucial issues. Despite being
bottlenecked by geographical disadvantages Sikkim has always taken its
drawbacks positively and turned them into its potency, he added.
Source: Sikkim Express
Dated: 5th March 2010.
Heat Travels & Tours bags two national tourism awards for 2008-09 [top of page]
Gangtok,
March 11: Siliguri based Heat Travels and Tours India Private Limited
has bagged two National Tourism Award 2008-2009 under the category of
Domestic Tour Operators (North East Region including Sikkim) & Tourist
Transport Operator, Category III, First Prize. Prakash Gupta (C.O.O), Binod
Prasad (Head -HFH) and Deepak Gupta (Sr. Accountant) received the awards
recently from Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari in presence of
Minister of Tourism and Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation,
Government of India Kumari Selja, and Minister of State for Tourism,
Government of India Sultan Ahmed during a function held in New Delhi.
The Award, it is informed was conferred by the Ministry
of Tourism, Government of India for outstanding performance in the tourism
sector during the year of 2008-09.
“HEAT has already been conferred with this award twice
before under the category of Domestic Tour Operators (North East Region
including Sikkim) in year 2005 and year 2007. HEAT believes that this is
possible only due to the support from our patrons & wellwishers,” said Heat
CEO Deepak Gupta in a press release issued today.
He further said that Heat was initially started with a vision to provide
quality adventure and travel solutions to its travellers.
Source: Sikkim Express
Dated: 11th March 2010.
Sheila Dikshit for changing Delhi residents’ mannerisms [top of page]
New
Delhi, March 18:
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Thursday called for a public-private
partnership to develop a “package to change behavioural patterns of Delhi
residents towards each other and guests who will visit during the
Commonwealth Games”.
Speaking at the Delhi Tourism
Conclave here, Dikshit said while transformation was taking place in almost
every aspect of life, “not enough is being done especially in the matter of
changing mannerisms”.
“The culture of politeness and
sharing and caring for each other, as well as the behaviour of the people in
the city is not changing enough,” she said.
“We are a unique city, we live in the present and look forward to future and we also have a rich heritage. We can be proud but when people visit the city, they would only remember the rude behaviour (of the citizens) or the small time crook charging more than required for services rendered,” she said.
Calling for an initiative from private sector, Dikshit said: “The private sector has already partnered for green projects. When the private sector appeals to the citizens, they become a partner of the government. “I hope this conclave could generate a package to change the behavioural pattern of Delhiites towards each other and guests. This should be implemented right away,” she added.
Dikshit said that it would be beneficial if other organisations can volunteer for keeping the city clean, teaching the people through campaigns to be polite, holding meetings with youths and students and urging them to use public transport like the Metro.
Source: Thaindian News
Dated: 18/03/2010
Exciting ideas proposed to woo CWG tourists [top of page]
New Delhi, March 19: A night bazaar in the heart of the capital, mobile craft vans, a mock Indian wedding, a spiritual tour, a political tour and so on - a whole range of ideas were thrown up by experts at a Delhi tourism meet Friday to make the Commonwealth Games a spectacular event. According to K.T. Ravindran, chairman of the Delhi Urban Art Commission, a night bazaar in Pragati Maidan or Chandni Chowk will be a major tourist attraction during the Oct 3-14 Games. “After the Games and even during it, people will look for entertainment and food and shopping in the city. A night bazaar in Pragati Maidan or Chandni Chowk will satisfy tourists in this regard. We can also have mobile craft vans,” Ravindran said on the concluding day of the two-day meet.
Spiritual tourism to showcase different faiths is another idea that experts suggested.
Mala Sekhri, COO of the India Today Group said: “An early morning religious tour to temples, gurudwaras and other religious places will give the tourist an overview of the different faiths that India is home to.” She also suggested a shopping trail to local markets, a fashion trail and a Great India Barbeque to showcase the different Indian barbeque cuisines which, Sekhri said, foreigners like.
Rina Ray, managing director of the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), said an interesting idea that an expert suggested and she is looking into is that of a mock Indian wedding.
“Indian weddings are so full of colour and life. Most foreigners have only seen an Indian wedding in movies like the ‘Monsoon Wedding’ and if we actually have a mock wedding, complete with the music and the traditional attire, visitors will enjoy it. Maybe they can even be a part of the wedding by taking the bride’s or the groom’s place,” she said.
Garden trails in which natural gardens and the ones designed like bio-diversity parks are showcased, traditional cuisine festivals and health tourism are some of the ideas that were voiced.
“One has to remember that Delhi is more than just monuments and heritage structures and that is what we have to show to the visitor during the Games and beyond. We can also develop a political trail since we have so many memorials and places where important political events had taken place,” Ravindran said.
Source: Thaindian News
Dated: 19/03/2010
Shakti Sithal to have dual benefit – spiritual and tourism: CM [top of page]
Namchi,
March 24: Laying the foundation stone of Shakti Sthal at Tamletar, Mungrang,
Lungchok in South Sikkim today on the occasion of Ramnawami, Chief Minister
Pawan Chamling said spiritual development is necessary for the development
of an individual’s life.
The main motive of establishing Shakti Sthal Mr. Chamling
said was not just to provide spiritual benefit to the people but also to
cater to the professional development of local educated youths in terms of
tourism. In this regard, he revealed that the Sthal will be a world class
pilgrimage centre in the near future. “I want to make Sikkim the leading
state in the country in pilgrimage tourism,” he said
“This Shakti Sthal where the statue of Nav Durga will be constructed is an
honour to Goddess Durga which also symbolizes respect to the whole women
community of the State,” the Chief Minister said while stating that Sikkim
is advanced in each and every field as compared to other States in India.
At the same time, the Chief Minister appreciated the role
of women folk in making Sikkim the number one state in the country. Here he
also appealed the women of the State to be more responsible and not to fall
into things blindly. “Mahatma Socrates died for his stand and similarly
Chamling will never change his stand which he has made for the betterment of
the people of Sikkim,” he added. Diverting his
speech from the pilgrimage centre, the Chief Minister informed that
gathering that Rs 70 crores would be distributed among the educated youths
during the career fair scheduled to be held on March 25 and 26 in Gangtok.
Earlier the president of the Shakti Sthal Committee
Girish Chandra Rai while addressing the gathering informed that this sthal
will have nine temples of Nav Durga along with 52 other Shakti Pith. The
Temple of Lord Ganesha will be also constructed here, he said. He further
said that the construction of the temple has been started but the actual
work will begin after getting clearance from the State Forest Department.
The estimated cost of the same has not been estimated yet, he said.
On the occasion the Committee president also received the
cash support of Rs 15 lakhs from the hand of Chief Minister.
Similarly, the Area MLA in her address said the
foundation laying of the temple as a historic event for the people of Melli
Constituency and is a milestone in the development of Sikkim. “This will not
only fulfil the religious sentiment of the area people but will also help in
the promotion of growing tourism industry of the State,” she said. Here she
also placed the demand of upgrading Sumbuk High Secondary School to Senior
Secondary along with the solution of drinking water problem of the locality
through water pumping from Rolu River and through rain water harvesting
scheme which the Chief Minister later assured to fulfil soon.
The occasion was also attended by former Minister GM
Gurung and Upadakshya South Himal Tamang.
Source: Sikkim Express
Dated: 24/03/2010
3rd adventure course for kicks off [top of page]
Namchi,
March 27: The 3rd Adventure Course for the educated unemployed youths of
the State was kicked off on Thursday here at Indian Himalayan Centre for
Adventure and Eco- Tourism (IHCAE), Chamchey, South Sikkim. The 14 days long
adventure courses being organized by IHCAE, Chamchey under the sponsorship
of Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi had participation from a
total of 30 youths from different parts of the State. Nine out of the 30
trainees are girls.
Addressing the inaugural function, Principal of Namchi
Government College, Dr. MP Thapa, who was present as the chief guest said
trainees in Sikkim are lucky to avail of such courses free of cost. He added
that students should complete the fortnight long training without any
hassles. It was also attended by IHCAE Director GT
Bhutia and OSD Adventure, Chamchey IHCAE Kazi Sherpa.
OSD, Adventure Kazi Sherpa informed that the participants would be trained
on various aspects of adventure in eco friendly manner. The training will
consist of trekking, obstacles, survival techniques and rock climbing. Under
the rock climbing techniques, the trainees will be educated in courses like
Rope Knot Class, Introduction of Mountain Equipments, Rock climbing
Techniques, Belay Techniques, Long Sling, Rappelling, Piggy Back Method,
Running and Belay Climbing etc. while trekking will have courses like Tent
Pretching, Camp Site Selection, Management and High Altitude Sickness, Load
Carrying Method, Mountain Working Techniques etc, he said.
The Director and OSD of the Institute on their part
educated the trainees about Mt. Khangchendzonga and its sister peaks.
Later in the day, the trainees were taken to the rock
climbing site of Chamchey where the Director and OSD, Adventure were also
present. Here the trainees were educated with practical skills of rock
climbing and Rappelling by the instructors – Sangey Doma Bhutia of Yuksom
and Ongdi Lama and Mohan Biswakarma from Gangtok under the supervision of
Director Mr. Bhutia and OSD Mr. Sherpa.
Interestingly, the girl trainees showed their courage and made successful
climbing and rappelling on the inaugural day.
Source: Sikkim Express
Dated: 27/03/2010.