Heliport work starts in Sikkim

Gangtok, Dec 7 (ANI): Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja today laid the foundation stone for the heliport at Chemchey, South District, Sikkim.

This is first in the three heliport projects in the State sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Tourism for construction of heliports. The other two are Geetang Khola in the West and Mangan in the North District.

The projects have been sanctioned with a view to promote tourist destinations in hilly, remote and inaccessible areas of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Selja said, it is heartening to note that for the first time in the country the State of Sikkim has been granted Central Financial Assistance for Heliport to develop three new destination projects. She said, the efforts of the State Government for taking lead towards promotion of adventure, eco and wellness tourism in the country are praise worthy.

Selja also inaugurated the Himalayan Adventure and Eco Tourism Centre at Chemchey.peaking at the ceremony she said, adventure tourism, eco tourism and wellness tourism are the three niche segments of India's tourism products and her ministry attaches great importance towards development and promotion of these segments.

She said: India which was traditionally considered a cultural destination for several decades has now emerged as an important destination for adventure, eco and wellness holidays for discerning international travelers.

"India is richly endowed with the natural diversity consisting of mountains, wildlife, natural parks, rivers and beaches which provides ample opportunities for pursuing eco holidays and adventure sports such as white water river rafting, para gliding, hot air ballooning, skiing, mountain biking, scuba diving, hiking-trekking and rock climbing," she added. (ANI)