MANGAN: A meeting was convened on September 25 at the DAC Conference Hall, following directives from Governor Om Prakash Mathur, to consider reopening the Lachen and Lachung routes for tourism.
The meeting was chaired by District Magistrate Mangan Anant Jain, along with SP Mangan Sonam Detchu Bhutia, ADM Mangan Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, SDM Mangan Prakash Rai, SDM Chungthang Arun Chettri, and SDM Dzongu Mr Gideon Lepcha.
During the meeting, the District Magistrate discussed the prospects and challenges associated with reopening tourism in Mangan District.
Jain stated that during the Governor’s recent visit, local representatives, including Pipons and Dzumsa members, raised concerns about the economic losses resulting from the closure of the tourism sector following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) last year as well as landslides caused by incessant rainfall earlier this year. This meeting was aimed at addressing the economic impact on communities dependent on tourism.
He mentioned that when the routes would reopen, it would be advisable that tourists obtain an advance permit online, one day prior to their visit, at the 3rd Mile Check Post in Gangtok, to help manage vehicular traffic effectively. He also emphasised on the need for a well-drafted plan to prevent any unforeseen issues.
The SP Mangan proposed a daily limit on the number of vehicles permitted to operate and informed that permit checks would be conducted from the Phidang, Dzongu checkposts.
Also present were Deputy Director Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sonam Rinchen, Pipons of Lachen Kunzang Chopel Lachenpa and Kassang Lachenpa, Pipon Lachung Dorjee Chewang Lachungpa, President TASS Sonam Norgay Lachungpa and Vice-President TASS Yangchen T Lepcha.
- IPR Report
