Talks on for tourism at Nathula

Gangtok, Jan 27 (UNI) Infrastructural development holds the key to the development of tourism in Sikkim, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said here today.

He said the government was taking intitiaves and discussions with the Centre on to developing the infrastructure in a bigway to give a further boost to the tourism.

Mr Chamling said the double laning of Siliguri-Nathu La highway, operational of the proposed airport at Paykong and the the rail link upto Nathu La border would be developed soon. Efforts were also on to launch helicoper secrvice from each of the districts to facilitate the tourists, and construct ropeways to give a boost to the travelling sector.

But the culture, carrying capacity of the state and the environment would be taken into consideration while planning the development of tourism, he said. Mr Chamling said due to the aggressive marketing technique and good planning the state had already made a mark at national and international fairs and festivals.

The flow of tourists had already increased from 2.5 lakh in 2005 to 3.10 lakh in 2006 and by the end of the current financial year it was likely to reach 3.40 lakh, he said.

The Chief Minister said the tourism had already become a movement in the state due to the support given by the people and inititive taken by the government. The best performinfg award by the Central government to the state in the North Eastern region in the tourism sector showed the state's performance.

He wanted people to move with the time and take tourism as a career option.

State Commissioner-cum-Secretary for Tourism A Srivastav said the government was planning to introduce paying guest scheme in the state soon to overcome the problem of accommodation for growing number of tourists. He said discussion was on with INTACH to launch a project in Hee Bermoik in West Sikkim to protect the heritage and upgrade the tourist facilities including accommodation, cuisine and communication.

Mr Srivastav said if everything went as per plan the Rs 1.5 crore project would be launched in the next financial year. While the state government will provide 30 per cent of the total project the rest will be provided by the INTACH.

An INTACH team comprising experts from different fields are expected to visit the state soon in this connection, he said.

He said discussion was also on with the Central government to open the Nathu La border for tourism.

UNI