PAKYONG, (IPR): Tshering Thendup Bhutia, minister for the Tourism & Civil
Aviation department and Commerce & Industries department, alongside Puran
Kumar Gurung, minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry &
Veterinary Services, and Fisheries department, jointly inaugurated the new
permit office located at the Panchayat office in Kishan Bazar, Rongli today.
This
initiative aligns with the Chief Minister's vision to decentralise the issuance
of permits across all districts, thereby ensuring enhanced accessibility and
convenience for tourists and travel operators.
Likewise,
the Rongli permit office facilitates the issuance of permits for Nathu La to
domestic tourists, including permits for motorcycles traversing the same
circuit.
Rongli
acts as a strategic gateway to popular tourist destinations such as Dzuluk,
Nathu La, and Tsomgo Lake, thereby localising the permit acquisition process,
which enhances tourism efficiency, alleviates travel difficulties, and fosters
the local economy.
The
Rongli Permit Office is currently operational, allowing travel agencies to
avail themselves of permit services for domestic tourists during established
working hours.
Commending
the stakeholders, minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia stated that the community's
collective vision has been fulfilled by this initiative. He underscored tourism
as a vital source of livelihood for the state and emphasised the department’s
commitment to promoting rural tourism. Additionally, he announced the
operational status of Tourist Information Centres (TICs) in six districts,
noting that these facilities serve as valuable resources for the region and
advocated for efforts to attract and retain tourists to further promote the
region.
He
encouraged stakeholders to expand tourism-related activities, asserting that a
flourishing tourism sector not only benefits businesses but also strengthens
the economy. Furthermore, he shared strategies for enhancing rural tourism and
informed attendees about tourism initiatives under the Sikkim Integrated
Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies (INSPIRES) initiative,
mentioning upcoming training programmes for interested individuals. He called
for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders and departments to advance
tourism development.
Similarly,
minister Puran Kr Gurung remarked on the district's advancements in rural
homestay initiatives. He further stressed the necessity of adhering to tax obligations
and the importance of fostering discipline among tourists.
CS
Rao, principal secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation department, announced
the commencement of Nathu La permit issuance, stating that this initiative
would significantly bolster tourism in the region. He also apprised
stakeholders of the Tourism Sustainable Development fee, elaborating on its
relevance and the available exemptions.
In
addition, Tenzing Gelay, additional director of the Tourism and Civil Aviation department,
emphasised the Chief Minister's vision of governance at the community level. He
further advocated for cooperative efforts to strengthen the tourism sector.
An
open forum was also conducted, during which stakeholders expressed concerns and
provided suggestions pertinent to tourism development and permit-related
issues.
The
inaugural ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including NB
Biswakarma, SDM of Rongli; Dawa L Pakhrin, DSP, 3rd Mile Police Checkpost;
Sonam Rinchen Bhutia, deputy director, Tourism department; Sushma Pradhan, deputy
director, Tourism department and officials from various government departments,
as well as stakeholders from the tourism sector.
Pic caption: Rongli acts as a strategic gateway
to popular
