SIKKIM - STATE ANNUAL PLAN 2001-2002TOURISMDEMAND NO. 41In the recent years Tourism has emerged as the only long-term sustainable industry for economic development in the State. The abundance of natural resources in terms of flora, fauna the Himalayas and the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim will continue to attract both domestic and foreign tourists alike. There is tremendous potential for development and promotion of tourism in the State. The Tourism master Plan, which is a perspective plan for 15 years spans three Plan periods beginning 1997-98 and closing 2001-2002, the main thrust of the Master Plan is towards qualitative development and strengthening of infrastructure as well as emphasis on eco-tourism in the State. For the 9th Plan period Rs 4,000/- lakhs had been earmarked. During the last Four Plan years. The actual allotment for Tourism was Rs 11.72 lakhs. This year being the last year of the 9th Plan period, Rs 500 lakhs have been projected as the Annual Plan outlay. (1) 3452-01-101-40 (i) The provision of Rs 54.00 lakhs under this will be towards the salary and wages of the employees. With the increase in the volume of infrastructure development works, it is proposed to establish an Engineering Cell for timely implementation and monitoring of schemes. The salary of the staff of this Cell will be met from this. (ii) Rs 3.50 lakhs is provided to enable the Department officials to participate in national and international Fair/Marts for promotion of tourism both in India and abroad. This is a must as tremendous marketing can be achieved. (iii) In the event of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation taking over the Sikkim House at Calcutta, the Department has to provide for refurbishing, furnishing and establishing a new Tourism Office in Calcutta, as bulk of the domestic tourist is from West Bengal, similarly, Calcutta office has a very old vehicle that is in the process of being replaced and as such a provision has been kept for the purchase of a new vehicle. Purchase of a vehicle for the Minister is also proposed, as well have not provided one for him so far. Siliguri is the nearest railhead and air link to this part of the region. Tour operators, hoteliers and transport operators service both the places. Generally speaking it is the take off point for all tourists to various places in Sikkim and West Bengal. Therefore, the Siliguri Tourism Office is extremely crucial for dissemination of information, particularly during periods of hartals, strikes and natural calamities, for which the office needs to be upgraded which is in a most dilapidated condition and also replacement of a new vehicle since the present vehicle is a very old Ambassador car. Apart from this the office also attends to all protocol duties. We further need to strengthen the tourism office in New Delhi also with the purchase of a Xerox machine. The head office which has a number of tourism officers need to be provided with two replacemen Vehicles, which are being condemned within this financial year. All other routine expenditure will be met form this. A provision of Rs 37.50 lakhs has been kept for this. B. Minor Works- Rs 93.00 lakhs For all Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Government of India provides for the construction of the actual expenditure only like the structural constructions. All other allied works like the purchase of land, fencing, approach road, external water supply and electricity and beautification of the area, furniture and fixture of the complex needs to be met under plan fund for which provision has been kept commensurate with the Centrally Sponsored Schemes that have been sanctioned by the Government of India. Beautification of areas of tourist interest also will be undertaken. Some new nature trails need to be established in West Sikkim, as the Master Plasn envisages dispersal of tourists to outlaying areas. 44 Food Craft Institute- Rs 29.00 lakhs 3452- Tourism 01-Tourist Infrastructure-
102-Tourist In the present day world when professionalism is of utmost importance, the Institute of hotel Management started in 1990 in Gangtok. The Institute provides all the requisite training to young boys and girls, not only from Sikkim but from other States as well. In order to upgrade the training facilities of the Institute it has been absolute necessary to purchase necessary equipment. Provision of Rs 29.00 lakhs has been earmarked for the Institute. 62 Helicopter Operation Rs 6.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-01-Tourist Intrastructure-103-Tourist The Helicopter Operation started in 1998 on 75:25 Centre-State share basis is being operated by Sikkim Tourism Development Board (STDC). This service has boosted tourism in the State as many tourists take the Mountain Flights apart from the regular flights. Many lights are also chartered for survey, rescue and emergency works. Maintenance of Helipad and operational costs will be met from this provision. 72 Adventure- Rs 11.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104-Promotion and Publicity-000070- Adventure Tourism (Plan) There is ample scope for promotion of adventure sports like water sports, mountain biking, high and low aititude trekking in the State. A provision of Rs 11.00 lakhs has been kept for various activities. The Department ill also maintains adventure trekking routes and trekking huts from this fund. This is one of the thrust areas. 71. Fairs & Festivals (SS) – Rs 15.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104-Promotion & Publicity \-00071 Fairs & Festivals (SS) Plan The State participates in international and national fairs at major cities every year, for promotion of tourism in the State and for wider publicity. Motor Car Rally, Flower Festivals at Gangtok, Namchi and Tea Teesta Tourism Festival etc. have also gained popularily in the State. Within the State also numberous fairs/festivals are held. The Department brings out a yearly calendar of events. Grant is also provided to committee for Flower Festival at Gangtok and Namchi where world famous orchids and other rare plants are exhibited. Various registered organizations also organise local Fairs and Festivals in the State, which draw tourists even during off season. Such organizations are given grants for their efforts to uphold Sikkimese tradition and culture which is being revived by the three ethnic communities and promoted vigorously. It is also proposed to have quality exhibition materials for participation in various fairs and festivals from this fund. This requires exhibits of high quality. 72. Equipment (CSS)- Rs 10.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-Genral-104 Promotion & Publicity-000072-equipment (100% CSS) Plan The Department proposes to buy adventure sports equipment for high altitude trekking Provision of Rs 10.00 lakhs has been kept for this. 73. Fairs & Festivals (CSS)- Rs 30.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104 Promotion &
Publicity-000073- Flower Festival at Gangtok and Teesta Tea Tourism Festival have gained popularity with both domestic and foreign tourists alike. The Department proposes to organise an internal Flowr Festival in march 2002. Orchid Societies of repute from all over the world will be invited. The Department has already done some preliminary works by contacting various Embassies and international societies for their active participation. A provision of Rs 30.00 lakhs will be provided. In this area the private sector will be fully involved. 74. Wayside Amenities (CSS)- Rs 30.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104-Promotion &
Publicity-000074- In keeping with the tourism Master Plan, the Department proposes to strengthen infrastructure all along the tourist routes by constructing Wayside Cafeteria, toilets and view points at lakes and water falls and other tourist sports. With the development of such infrastructure the tourists will benefit tremendously. Alternative destinations are being developed to decongest the already popular and frequented areas in a bid to create independent tourist zones. Ongoing schemes at Chemchey and Samdruptse in South District and Bulbuley park at Gangtok etc. will also be covered. This is in consonance with the Tourism master Plan. To promote low altitude frekking new routes are proposed to be opened to tourists. Fambongla Nature trail/toute to Zandi Dara as well as development of base Camp at Ravangla will be implemented. Angling, which is a popular sport will be developed for which a Sikkim Anglers. Association has already been formed and registered with the Land Revenue Department, Government of Sikkim. This is done so for the conservation of marine life and also to bring out a booklet of fishes available. In this part of the Himalayas, their location as also highlighting all the other issues. Infrastructure like angling huts/raft huts will be developed. Nature interpretation centers at four districts and camp sites along the already existing routes and new routes will be taken up. 77. Publicity- Rs 55.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104-Promotion &
Publicity-000077: Publicity is of utmost importance for any development of the tourism industry. Without this, not much headway can be made in the tourism industry. The Deparmtent proposes to promote Sikkim commercially through both the print and electronic media and an effort in this direction has already been made this year with the involvement of the electronic media like BBC, Zee TV, ESPN, Doordarshan covering events like flower festival at Namchi Challenge Rally-2000 and the World Tourism Day. Live telecast have been made of all these events this year in the various channels. Apart from this, the Department also proposes to release colourful advertisements of the tourism industry in Sikkim along with extensive articles on adventure, nature and culture tours to be advertised and promoted in various in flight magazines of both domestic and international carriers in the country. The Department also proposes to print posters depicting tourist places of interest and new brochures. The Department is now launching a quarterly magazine with the Government of Nepal titled "Himalayan Travel Trade Journal" which was launched in the World Tourism Mart in London in November for the promotion of tourism in Sikkimn and Nepal. Website on Sikkim Tourism at a cost of Rs 10.00 lakhs is being launched. 78. Information- Rs 5.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104-Promotion & Publicity-000078-Information (Plan) Proper dissemination of information of tourists is important. For this we have cut-station offices at New Delhi, Calcutta and Sliguri besides the one at Gangtok. Information brochures, guide maps, folders etc will be updated and reprinted for distribution to tourists from these offices. Orientation courses for tourism industry personnel like hoteliers, tour operators and drivers will be organised. An overhead projector for training programmes will be purchased and the Department intends to launch a website immediately so that Sikkim is accessible throughout the world for all information required to make travel plans by linking up with the website. 79. Publicity (CSS)- Rs 10.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104-Promotion &
Publicity-000079- For this the Department proposes to produce a film on flora and fauna and culture of Sikkim for distribution to various tour operators in India and abroad for screening and publicizing Sikkim. 80. Refurbishment of Monasteries and Restoration of Old Monuments (CSS) Rs 18.50 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104-Promotion & Publicity-000080-Refurbishment of Monasteries (100% CSS) Plan Sikkim is rich in its cultural and religious heritage. The Buddhist Monasteries and caves for religious tourism are important. This year it is also proposed to restore the oldest Church located in Gangtok, which sees many congregation of Christian community in all its festivals and festivities, provision under this head will be utilized for over-all facelift and beautification of monuments/sites. 47. INFORMATION & MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Rs 1.00 lakhs 3452-Tourism-80-General-104-Promotion &
Publicity 800- Provision of Rs 1.00 lac will be utilized for Upgradation of existing information system in the Head Office as well as Other three outstation offices CAPITAL OUTLAY-DEMAND NO. 41 3452-01-190-000050-STDC- Rs 50.00 lakhs Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) is an undertaking of the Government of Sikkim, which was established in the year 1997-98. The Corporation has been registered under the Sikkim Companies Act and is managed by a Broad of Directors, nominated by the Government of Sikkim. STDC is manning all the commercial units successfully and also does marketing for Tourism. Since STDC is comparatively a newly established organisation, it would need the financial support of the State Government to upgrade the existing infrastructure. The Corporation is also on the threshold of launching the Transport Division for which the funding has been tied up with various financial institution for the purchase of 4 (four) luxury coaches for the benefit of the tourists. For establishing the basic infrastructure for running of the transport division, financial assistance will also be required. A provision of Rs 50.00 lakhs has been kept aside during the 2001-2002 Financial Year Plan budget as share capital of the Government. 5452-Capital Outlay-Demand No. 41 According to Tourism Master Plan, Namchi, South District Headquarter town is to be developed as the third independent destination in the State. A number of projects for promotion of tourism in the area is being implemented in a phased manner will be covered under this. There is also a proposal to enhance attractions in the East District particularly Tsomgo Lake area. The provisions made are indicated hereunder scheme wise with brief detail on each scheme. 1. Samdruptse Statue Project South Sikkim Rs 100.00 lakhs Capital The Government of Sikkim had conceived the idea of installing the Guru Rimpoche’s statue at Samdruptse, Namchi, South District from the tourism point of view. For installation of the statue a high level committee had already been constituted which is working out the modalities duly maintaining the religious significance intact. The total cost of the project is Rs 647.00 crores as per the tentative estimate submitted by the Architect. Subsequently. Sikkim Public Works Department (Buildings) has submitted a tentative cost of Rs 400.00 crores, which would include strengthening of the existing approach road, parking and other amenities, site development, structure and other miscellaneous works. The area development work is already under progress. Since the project is already underway, a provision of Rs 1.00 crore has been set aside for 2001-2002 annual for carrying out the developmental works. 2. Development of Tsomgo Lake Rs 20.00 lakhs One of the major tourist attractions in East Sikkim is Tsomgo Lake. For the development of Tsomgo Lake, a project costing Rs 2.03 crores has already been approaved. The project envisages shifting of existing temporary shops down the slope of the lake which would be away from the present location and to relocate them as per the lay out plan in the first phase, levelling of land etc. was completed and construction of the car park and toilets will be implemented. The Border Roads Organisation (BPO) as the implementing agency is taking up the construction workds. So far, a release of only Rs 40.00 lakhs has been made to the BRO. During the 2001-2002 Financial year Plan Rs 20.00 lakhs have been earmarked for the third phase of project. 3. ROPEWAY PROJECT AT NAMCHI Rs 20.00 lakhs The Department is in the final stage of installation of a ropeway between Namchi, South District Headquarters to Samdruptse where the Guru Rimpoche’s statue is to be installed. The idea for the installation of the ropeway, which would be approximately four to five kilomerers, would take the tourists along the District Headquarters to Namchi towards the Guru Rimpoche’s statue, which would be installed at Samdruptse. The feasibility study and a presentation has been made by the firm from Calcutta M/S Conveyor and Ropeway Services Pvt Ltd. However, since there has been a change of location from the initial take off point Gurpisay now shifted to Namchi, the project would have to be reviewed in totality, as there would be additional survey works to be conducted from the new location that has been decided by the Government. For this purpose a provision of Rs 20.00 lakhs has been made to meet the above expenditure. 1. Construction of Waiting Shed (Cafeteria) at Sadam Dara View Point in Sadam: Rs 1.14 lakhs. 2. Construction of CC Footpath at View Point Sadam Dara: Rs 8.86 lakhs. Sadam is a beaufitul area located in South Sikkim which has a very panoramic view of the Teesta Valley, confluence of the Teesta and Rangit Rivers and Kalimpong Town. It is also within the circuit of the Namchi-Damthang which is being developed into a trekking area, and which will attract vast number of tourists particularly foreigners because of the botanical affluence and the beautiful location of the area. Apart from this Sadam is also being developed by Shri B Roy and Non-Governmental Organisation into an ethnic model village, which would be of touristic interest. Therefore, the proposed scheme is an over all integrated development of that area in the larger interest of the tourism sector. 3. Creation of Recreational Centre at Namli, East Sikkim: Rs 15.00 lakhs The Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim have targeted to develop number of tourist spots in and around Gangtok with the intention to extend the more duration of the tourist stay at Gangtok. Presently, tourists spend two days to complete the sightseeing at Gangtok including visit of famous Tsomgo Lake and Nathula. The creation of recreational centre, picnic spots in the vicinity of the existing Saramsa Garden is expected to achieve the above objective and also provide facility to the residents of Gangtok and surrounding aras. (Rs in lakhs)
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