NAMCHI, (IPR): A joint inspection of the Yangang Cultural Park was led by
Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly and Area MLA, Rangang-Yangang
constituency Raj Kumari Thapa, along with key officials including principal secretary,
Tourism and Civil Aviation department, CS Rao, secretary, Information and
Public Relations department, Annapurna Alley, principal chief engineer
Neeraj Pradhan, OSD to Chief Minister (Political Affairs), Karma Subba, members
of the Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC) and other stakeholders.
The
inspection primarily focused on the upgradation and revamping of the 22.26-acre
complex including renovation efforts aimed at enhancing the cultural park while
recognising its full potential to boost tourism in the region. Plans are in
place to initiate renovation and infrastructure enhancement work at the
earliest to improve visitor experience and attract more tourists.
It
may be mentioned here that the Yangang Cultural Park project was initially
developed by the Rural Development Department (RDD) before being transferred to
the Tourism department in 2016.
In
2021, the Tourism department handed over the project to the Information and
Public Relations (IPR) department. However, with renewed focus on tourism in
the region, the Tourism department will once again take over the management and
oversight of the project to ensure its full potential is realised for boosting
local tourism.
A
significant decision taken during the inspection was the establishment of a
checkpost system in Yangang within the next 15 days. This system aims to
streamline tourist flow by providing an alternative route for foreign tourists
traveling to North Sikkim from Ravangla via Yangang-Mangan while reducing
congestion in Gangtok.
Currently,
foreign tourists must travel to Gangtok for necessary permits before proceeding
to North Sikkim. With the upcoming checkposts, they will be able to bypass
Gangtok and travel directly through Yangang, making the route more efficient
and convenient. The Tourism department assured that necessary infrastructure
developments will be initiated at the earliest to support these plans to ensure
that Yangang emerges as one of the key tourism hubs in Sikkim.
On
the sidelines of the visit, a meeting was also held to discuss the upcoming
International Youth Conclave for Tourism development, scheduled to take place
in Yangang from April 11 to 14, 2025. The conclave will bring together 176
delegates from 17 states and 3 Union Territories of India, along with
international representatives from+ Nepal, Bhutan, and Iran.
Centeredaround
the theme ‘Celebrating Sikkim’s 50 Years of Statehood’, the conclave will
spotlight emerging tourism destinations in Sikkim, with Yangang at the center
of planned tourism infrastructure initiatives. The event will feature heritage
walks, cultural rallies, panel discussions, resource talks, interactive
sessions, and on-site engagements with tourism professionals. Delegates will
also explore local tourism sites, engage in cultural exchange programmes, and
discuss strategies for sustainable tourism while preserving local heritage.
OSD
to the Chief Minister (Political Affairs), Karma Subba, assured that under the
directives of the Chief Minister, the Tourism department will provide all
necessary support to ensure the seamless execution of the event and future
tourism development projects. He reiterated the government's commitment to
strengthening tourism infrastructure across Sikkim, making it more accessible,
well-equipped, and aligned with international tourism standards.
During the meeting, the YTDC also made a special request to the IPR department for full-scale publicity of the conclave. The committee emphasised that extensive media coverage and outreach would be crucial in maximising participation and showcasing Yangang’s tourism potential on a larger platform.
