The Northeastern state of Sikkim, a jewel in India’s Himalayan region, is set to witness significant infrastructural and economic development. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), led by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, has recently approved projects worth ?400 crore for Sikkim, alongside plans to host pivotal events involving bankers, investors, and cultural stakeholders across the eight northeastern states. This announcement comes amid mounting challenges, including the need for better connectivity, environmental conservation, and economic rejuvenation following natural calamities.
Projects Worth ?400 Crore for Sikkim: During his two-day visit to Gangtok, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia conducted a review meeting with Sikkim’s Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and senior officials. Following the discussions, the minister unveiled ambitious plans for the state, including the establishment of a new medical college in Gangtok at a cost of ?170 crore. Additionally, ?150 crore has been allocated for procuring medical equipment for Namchi District Hospital, and ?6 crore has been sanctioned for developing a hospital in Mangan district. The government has also earmarked funds for tourism-related projects aimed at reviving the state’s primary economic sector.
Union Minister Scindia also outlined plans for organizing three major events in collaboration with all eight northeastern states. These include a bankers’ conclave, a Northeast investor summit in March 2025, and a cultural summit in Delhi later this year, all designed to attract investments and foster cultural integration.
Connectivity Challenges and Restoration Efforts: Sikkim’s infrastructure and connectivity remain pressing issues, particularly during the monsoon season, which has left the state in a precarious position. Despite having an airport in Pakyong, air connectivity is irregular. Scindia acknowledged these challenges and emphasized the importance of improving air connectivity. He also highlighted the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line, which, upon completion in August 2025, will bring Sikkim onto India’s railway map for the first time.
Road connectivity has been a persistent issue, exacerbated by the devastating glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in October 2023. The disaster caused extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly National Highway-10, Sikkim’s lifeline. While the state government sought ?27.05 crore for highway repairs, the Centre has only sanctioned ?14.13 crore, delaying restoration efforts. Furthermore, the Sikkim government has proposed transferring the repair responsibilities to a central agency for faster execution.
The Push for a "Green Bonus": As Sikkim and other Himalayan states grapple with the dual challenges of development and conservation, the demand for a "green bonus" — a special economic package to compensate for the costs of preserving natural resources — has gained momentum. Leaders and environmentalists argue that the Himalayan states are burdened with stringent land-use restrictions for conservation, despite their ecosystems providing invaluable services to the nation and the world.
D.T. Lepcha, Sikkim's Rajya Sabha member, recently raised this issue in Parliament, highlighting the financial strain on the state due to conservation efforts and natural disasters. With 82% of its land under forest cover, Sikkim boasts a unique ecological profile, housing 26% of India’s biodiversity within just 0.2% of the country’s area. However, this comes at the cost of limited development opportunities and economic constraints.
Sikkim’s plea for a "green bonus" echoes similar demands from other Himalayan states, including Himachal Pradesh. Himachal's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently urged the NITI Aayog to recognize the unique challenges faced by hilly states and provide tailored financial support. The concept of a "green bonus" was first endorsed by the UPA government in 2011 when the 13th Finance Commission recommended grants for states with exceptional forest areas. However, a dedicated policy addressing the broader needs of Himalayan states remains absent.
Environmental Challenges in the Himalayas: The fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas demands urgent attention. Experts at the recent Parvat Manthan meet in Delhi, which included delegates from India, Bhutan, and Nepal, emphasized the growing threats to water security in the Himalayan belt. The region, with its vast glaciers, lakes, and rivers, plays a critical role in sustaining life across South Asia. Sikkim alone is home to 84 glaciers and 34 lakes, making it a vital component of this ecosystem.
Natural disasters, such as the GLOF in October 2023, have highlighted the vulnerability of the region. These events not only disrupt local livelihoods but also pose significant challenges to infrastructure and tourism, which forms the backbone of Sikkim's economy. The aftermath of the GLOF has left parts of north Sikkim inaccessible to tourists, further straining the state’s economy.
The Way Forward: The initiatives announced by the DoNER ministry mark a significant step towards addressing Sikkim's immediate needs. However, the state’s long-term development and ecological stability hinge on a more holistic approach. This includes better connectivity, sustainable tourism practices, and financial mechanisms like the proposed "green bonus" to support conservation efforts without compromising economic growth.
As Sikkim and other Himalayan states continue to act as guardians of India’s ecological heritage, it is imperative for the Centre to recognize their unique contributions and challenges. By providing targeted financial assistance and fostering collaboration between states, India can ensure that the development of its northeastern and Himalayan regions is both sustainable and inclusive.
(Email: dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)