Cabinet passes a slew of proposals,including tourism projects

Gangtok, Jun 12 (UNI) A slew of proposals, including major projects relating to tourism, were approved by the Sikkim cabinet recently.

The meeting, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, was held on June 8.

An official release today said that the cabinet approved a proposal for introducing luxury tourist vehicles as per provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and Sikkim Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules 2007.

The cabinet meeting directed that priority should be given to the educated unemployed local youths for the luxury tourist vehicles.

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction for the development of Trekking Trail to Bhaley Dunga from Yangang and other infrastructures in South Sikkim at the cost of Rs.115.07 lakhs was also approved during the meeting. Similarly, proposal for development of Lepcha Heritage Centre at Satam, Yangang in South Sikkim at the tune of Rs.247.00 lakhs was approved.

An advance of Rs.1 crore was also sanctioned for the ambitious Sakyamuni project to Manichoekorling Development-cum-Managing Committee which are undertaking the project for construction of a giant statue of Lord Buddha and other amenities,including an approach road, garden and tourism amenities at Ravangla, South Sikkim.

The Cabinet approved the proposal of the tourism department to deploy the Dauphin N3, a 9-seater helicopter for the state. The department was directed to submit proposal to the government for allowing the use of helicopter for government servants and for commercial use throughout the state The cabinet also directed that construction activities be strictly eco and tourism friendly.

Regarding construction of an airport at Pakyong, East Sikkim, the cabinet decided that the government might consider putting the entire process to a fresh tender on private-public-partnership basis.

The cabinet sanctioned Rs.760.29 lakhs for work of catchment area treatment at Teesta Stage-V hydel power project besides sanctioning Rs.9.5 crores for the Rangpo-Duga-Pandam road.

Eight more proposals seeking financial sanction from other departments were also accorded approval by the cabinet.

UNI