Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation to develop Jhatte Dara as a e

Gangtok, Nov 30 (UNI) The eco-village tourism, which gained popularity among the foreign travellers visiting Sikkim, has got a big boost with the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) deciding to develop an ancient site Jhaate Dara, in East Sikkim, as new a destination.

STDC chairperson Manita Thapa and local area MLA Bhim Dhungyal after visiting the site decided to adopt the area as eco-village tourist destination.

The area has historical significance as some 300 years ago, former ruler of Tibet- Geb Aachi- after fleeing his country took shelter and later began constructing a palace there. But before the palace was completed, he was attacked by his enemies and fled this place also. Then he tried to settle at Damsangong near Teesta but was killed by an enemy.

The ruins of historic palace situated over 30 acres of land at a picturesque place are surrounded by green forest. The roads leading to the site lined up with traditional houses of different communities which would give a clear picture about the tradition and cultre of the Sikkimese to the aliens.

STDC sources said amenities and infrastrctures would be developed there soon to make the place a major eco-village tourists destination.

Eco tourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS), an organisation with the assistance from UNESCO and local communities, is working for the last four years in the state to promote village tourism and conservation of its environment.

ECOSS project manager Adrian Pakhrin said the eco tourism was well received by the foreign tourists. He said four village tourism clusters had been developed one in each district--Kewzing in South District, Pastang in East Yuksam in West and Dzongu in North for the tourists.

While Dzongu has 16 home stay facilities, Pastang and Yuksom have eleven each and Kewzing 14. The UNESCO is providing 10,000 US dollar to the ECOSS for the development of village tourism in these places, he said.

Recently NABARD also offered to provide Rs 3.30 lakh for setting up of telecommunication units in these four clusters to enable the tourists to be in touch with their homes. The telecommunication facilities would also help the service providers to establish a base for themselves, multiply their business and hold on to their customer base.

Mr Pakhirin said the UNESCO fund was being spent to build capacity of local communities and help them to generate additional income while conserving their culture and heritage.

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