DARJEELING,: In response to several medical emergencies experienced by
tourists visiting Sandakhpu, the Darjeeling administration has decided to
introduce mandatory health check-ups for all tourists before they embark on
their journey to the popular trekking destination. Sandakhpu, located 61 km
from Darjeeling at an elevation of 11,929 feet, attracts many visitors each
year, but its high altitude poses potential health risks.
A meeting was held on the issue, attended by
representatives of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Gorkha Territorial Administration
(GTA) and other stakeholders. “Apart from promoting Sandakhpu as a tourist
destination, we want visitors to have a safe experience,” said Darjeeling
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Richard Lepcha. The mandatory health check-ups
will be conducted at Manebhanjyang, the entry point to Sandakhpu.
A joint advisory will be issued after consultation with
the district magistrate and the GTA principal secretary before the proposed
measures will be implemented, Lepcha added.
The meeting also focused on improving basic
infrastructure including the availability of imporved toilets and healthcare
facilities. To address the lack of communication in the region, the SSB has
offered to establish a helpline, allowing concerned parties to check on the
well-being of visitors stuck in Sandakhpu.
Additionally, the meeting decided to regulate the timing
of the last vehicle leaving for Sandakhpu to prevent unforeseen issues.
“We have instructed tour operators and vehicle providers
there to assess the physical fitness of the tourists before granting them
permission for the journey,” said Lepcha.
Lepcha said the administration is also working to resolve
long-standing infrastructure problems, including bad roads, traffic congestion
and the need for better facilities at tourism spots. The issue of introducing a
single ticketing permit system for Tiger Hill was raised during the meeting
today as part of broader efforts to streamline the tourism experience and attract
more international visitors.
