GANGTOK: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang flagged off 25 motorbikes and vehicles in a ceremony held at Ridge Park on Monday morning, formally announcing the opening of Cho-La Pass and Dok-La Pass for tourism under the Ran Bhoomi Darshan initiative.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Commerce and Industries Department Mr T T Bhutia, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr Sudesh Subba, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Forest and Environment Department Mr Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, Advisor, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) Mr Lukendra Rasaily and Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr C S Rao.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang stated that the opening of Cho-La and Dok-La Pass formed part of the Vibrant Village Programme, which aims to strengthen border area tourism and create livelihood opportunities for local communities through regulated tourism activities. He said that the initiative was made possible through coordination between the Central Government, State Government and Army authorities.
Referring to Ran Bhoomi Darshan, the Chief Minister stated that the initiative seeks to open strategically significant border areas through regulated tourism while highlighting their historical and military importance. He said that the programme, envisioned under the broader concept of battlefield tourism, would promote awareness of the valour and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, foster a sense of patriotism among visitors and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities, while maintaining strict security and environmental safeguards.
The Chief Minister further stated that infrastructure development in the area is underway and that required facilities would be provided to support tourism activities.
He also referred to the Super Car Rally organised by Army personnel as part of Ran Bhoomi Darshan and stated that the initiative contributed to tourism promotion. He appreciated Major General Mr M S Rathore and his team along with the organising team for the successful completion of the rally.
In his address, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr C S Rao stated that the Department had been working towards opening the passes for tourism for the past two months in coordination with Army authorities to ensure safe and smooth movement of tourists. He informed that the flagged-off convoy comprised 25 motorbikes and vehicles proceeding to Cho-La and Dok-La Pass.
He further stated that while infrastructure development was in progress, basic facilities had already been put in place. He added that the Ran Bhoomi Darshan circuit, developed as a battlefield tourism experience, would operate as a two-day package with homestay accommodation available at minimum charges and fixed vehicle rates.
The programme was organised by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, under the Ran Bhoomi Darshan initiative. The opening marks the commencement of regulated tourism activities to Cho-La and Dok-La Pass under the Ran Bhoomi Darshan circuit in coordination with concerned authorities.
Also present on the occasion were Chairperson, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr Norgay Lachungpa, Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr Neeraj Pradhan, Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Ms Hondala Gyaltsen, Secretary, CMO Mr Karma Namgyal Bhutia and officials from the CMO and Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
- IPR Report
