Nathula opening to cause pollution

Gangtok, Apr 10: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said his government is aware and vigilant about the possible impacts of environment pollution due to the proposed reopening of the NathuLa trade route.

Talking to newspersons here last night after the completion of 26 day tour of the European nations, the Chief Minister said the government is vigilant and would take all possible steps to protect the environment.

He said the reopening of the old trade route was the main concern of the government as it is needed for the future economic development and for development of the younger generation.

Replying to a high number of suicides in the state, Mr Chamling said, ''The government is aware of the problem and trying to overcome the syndrome.'' Asked to comment on the Opposition Congress party's demand to disqualify 17 members of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front for holding office of profit, he said, ''It is a constitutional matter.

Constitutional bodies are seized with the matter. I will go by their decision.'' Mr Chamling refused to comment on the Congress party's criticism of Union Panchayat Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer for certifying Sikkim as the best performing state saying ''it is a purely an internal matter of the Congress party''.

UNI