PAKYONG: In a significant development aimed at boosting infrastructure and regional trade connectivity in the strategic border areas of Sikkim, MLA Gnathang-Machong and Advisor to Social Welfare Department; Women, Child, Senior Citizen, and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Mrs Pamin Lepcha, conducted a high-level joint inspection of key locations under the Gnathang Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) on Thursday.
The areas inspected included Tsomgo Lake, Sherathang, and the Nathula border region, with a specific focus on enhancing regional trade infrastructure and addressing development challenges.
Accompanying the MLA during the inspection were several senior officials from various departments. The dignitaries included Secretary of the Commerce & Industries Department, Ms Karma Yutso Bhutia (SCS), along with her technical team; Principal Chief Engineer (PCE) of the Buildings & Housing Department, Mr YN Gautam; Principal Chief Engineer of the Roads & Bridges Department, Mr KC Sharma, joined by Additional Chief Engineer Mr Dibya Gurung; and Divisional Forest Officers for Gangtok District, Mr SK Thatal and Ms Pem Diki Sherpa, along with their teams.
Also present were Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Gangtok, Mr Sonam W Bhutia; Panchayat of Yakla Serethang Ward, Ms Tshering Yanzee Sherpa; President of the Indo-China Border Trade Association Mr Sonam Gyatso Bhutia; and General Secretary, Ms Nim Lhamu Sherpa.
The joint inspection was centred around Sherathang Mart, a vital economic and logistical hub near the Indo-China border that plays a crucial role in cross-border trade during the trading season. The inspection covered a wide range of infrastructural aspects including:
• Condition of Roads: Several road sections connecting Sherathang to Nathula and surrounding areas were assessed for structural integrity and all-weather accessibility.
• Power Supply and Electrical Infrastructure: Officials took note of ongoing issues related to unstable power supply, and future plans were discussed to modernise the existing electrical grid for sustained operations, especially during peak trading periods.
• Mart Houses and Trade Shopping Complexes: The team thoroughly examined the condition and capacity of the existing mart houses and shopping complexes, emphasising the need for renovation and expansion to accommodate increased trade activity.
• Essential Amenities and Support Infrastructure: The inspection also focused on sanitation, water supply, waste management, and facilities for traders and tourists, recognising them as critical components for promoting economic activity and improving the standard of living in the region.
MLA Pamin Lepcha highlighted the strategic significance of Sherathang and the surrounding regions, not only for economic development but also for national security. She emphasised the need for inter-departmental coordination to address challenges holistically and efficiently.
- IPR Report
