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key goal is sought to be achieved through a two-pronged approach.
The first relates to modern advances in
science and technology that
enable Sikkim today to aspire for much more than just being an entrepôt.
Science has compressed distances and shrunk the world into a global village.
Distant and inaccessible Sikkim should aim at becoming a thriving centre
of information technology, bio-medical and scientific research of tomorrow.
Sikkim should seek to benefit from science and technology in three areas.
First, the enormous hydroelectric potential from the run of the
two snow-fed perennial rivers Teesta and Rangit can be harnessed
to yield an estimated 8,000
MW of power valued at approximately Rs. 1,600 crore per annum. The pollution-free
nature of hydel power, the low variable costs of generation and the growing
demand-supply gap for electricity in the country argue in favour
of such projects in Sikkim.
Given the considerable cost of civil engineering works for hydroelectric power
projects, the main challenge lies in strengthening the transmission linkage
with the Eastern region grid, improving the investment climate
(including through
proper tariff policy) and attracting investors with the involvement of the
Power Trading Corporation to bear the costs and risks of such projects.
Second, with modern technology, it is possible to overcome the
problem of accessibility that has historically thwarted Sikkim’s
potential as a tourists’
paradise. Sikkim has tropical and temperate forests, alpine meadows and snow-capped
peaks, including the spectacular Kanchenjunga (28,169 feet), the third highest
peak in the world and its presiding deity. It is richly endowed with several
lakes, two major rivers, the Teesta and Rangit, and an almost incredible treasure
of flora and fauna. The religious, aesthetic and cultural traditions for
example, the collection of Tibetan books at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology,
the Rumtek monastery of the Karma Kargyupa sect of Buddhism, and the Phlaglhapsol
festival with masked dances in honour of Kanchenjunga are the other major
attractions for tourism in Sikkim. Modern technology should be utilised to
build roads, airlinks, cable cars, and comfortable tourist accommodations,
so that Sikkim can become a recognisable centre on the international tourist
map. Given the considerable investments needed for these purposes, the main
challenge here again is how to attract investors who will not only fund these
projects but also share the associated risks. Furthermore, rules have to be
framed and enforced to promote tourism in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Third, the potential for a wide range of fruits, vegetables and
flowers from Sikkim’s tremendous agro-climatic variation from semi-tropical
lowlands to
temperate terraces should be utilised through the strengthening of marketing
machinery. Improved linkages with the rest of the country will allow Sikkim
to attract tourists, and to tap into the expanding domestic and global markets
for orchids, cut flowers and bulbs, winter vegetables during summer, and
exotic fruits.
The second element of the approach is to envisage a substantially different
public sector which aims at promoting the first goal through active collaboration
with the private sector and the community, in addition to being more responsive
to local needs and effective in the provision of services.
The vision, thus, is of a prosperous Sikkim with an effective public sector,
thriving trade, abundant hydroelectric power, tourism, horticulture and floriculture
and without poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.
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