Stress on tourism

Stress on tourism

Statesman News Service
GANGTOK, May 13: Sikkim tourism minister Mr RB Subba today said that the state government is planning to develop more tourist spots to entice the tourists.
“Tourists who come to the state from several parts of the country know only about Gangtok, Changu lake, Nathula and Baba temple. The state has many other places where the tourists can enjoy themselves. We are in the process of developing more tourist spots in the state by promoting village tourism,” Mr Subba, said.
According to him, the proposed Sky Bridge at Bhaley Dhunga would offer tourists a spectacular view of the valley below and the meandering Teesta and Rangit, two of the prime rivers of the state. The bridge would be quite similar to the newly unveiled Arizona which was built with $40 million horse-shoe shaped steel pathway at 3,937 feet above the Colorado river valley. “We have also planned to extend the ropeway connection in the state,” Mr Subba, said.
“The state is not only popular for its natural beauty but also for Buddhism. We are tying-up with Asian countries to promote Buddhism in the state,” Mr Subba, added.
Another project ~ bungee jumping as an adventurous sport at Shingshore Suspension Bridge in Dentam, West Sikkim ~ is also in the offing.
“The bridge is 700 feet tall from its base and 198 meters in length which is very suitable for bungee jumping,” said Mr Dipak Gurung, MLA of the area. “A sum of Rs 30 lakh has already been sanctioned by the state government for the project to be taken up by the youth and affairs department,” Mr Gurung, added.
He said officials from Botey Koshi in Nepal studied the feasibility of bungee jumping. “We tried lots of youths to jump from 700 feet tall to try its feasibility. Ms Aprigita Gurung (22), a resident of Dentam, successfully jumped from the bridge on 29 April much to our delight,” Mr Gurung, added.
The state tourism department is also concentrating on the capacity of the state to accommodate tourists during peak season.