News & Announcement
MLA Rinchenpong chairs the meeting on Modalities for the Development of Tourism in the Soreng District
Soreng, August 1 (IPR): The meeting on Modalities for the Development of Tourism in Soreng District at Engineer Complex Conference Hall, Malbasay was chaired by the chief guest MLA Rinchenpong cum Advisor (Road and Bridges Department) Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha. He was accompanied by the former MLA Soreng-Chakung Mr Aditya Golay, Principal Secretary Tourism Department Mr CS Rao, Principal Chief Engineer Mr Neeraj Pradhan, Additional Chief Engineer Mr Pratap Gautam, Additional Secretary DrPrerna Chamling, DC Soreng Mr Dhiraj Subedi, JointDirector Mr Kazi Sherpa, ADM Soreng, ADC (Development), SDM (HQ), SDM Soreng, DFO (Wildlife), Deputy Director Mr Nirmal Cintury, Assistant Director Ms Vijeta Chettri, Officers and staff from various departments.
MLA Rinchenpong emphasized that Rinchenpong has sufficient land available, making it a prime location for developing various tourism-related projects. Agro Tourism, which combines agricultural activities with tourism, was specifically mentioned as a promising avenue for development by him. He mentioned that this type of tourism allows visitors to experience farming activities, rural life, and local culture, providing a unique and educational experience.
He urged the relevant departments to verify the tourism potential of the area while allotting homestays. He also informed that the people of the district are ready and willing to cooperate with the Department. This local support is crucial for the successful implementation of tourism projects, as it ensures community involvement and sustainability, he added. He also urged the tourism department to focus on making rural and adventure tourism synonymous with West Sikkim which includes Gyalshing and Soreng Districts.
Mr Golay mentioned about Vrindavan Dham at Dodak, Rabindranath Bhawan at Rinchenpong and MangerjungProject. He informed the gathering of the HCM’s vision of boosting the tourism sector in Soreng for which numerous ongoing projects are being constructed for the same purpose. He thanked the HCM for his keen interest towards the people of Soreng in regard to the enhancement of tourism by bringing the department officials to the people for deliberation and probable solutions.
He further emphasized the importance of skill development to ensure that local residents are well-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities created by these projects. He urged local stakeholders, including businesses, community leaders, and residents, to actively participate in enhancing the tourism sector in Soreng. Mr. Golay highlighted the importance of a reciprocal relationship between the stakeholders and the government, wherein they are credible towards the assets entrusted to them by the department.
The Principal Secretary delivered an informative address regarding the ongoing and future initiatives for enhancing tourism in Soreng District. He informed about the Cultural Heritage Site of Soreng District and highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Soreng District, encouraging stakeholders to actively participate in preserving and promoting these heritage sites. The Registration and Renewal of Home-Stays and Hotels of Stakeholders, including owners of home-stays and hotels, were urged to ensure their establishments are registered and renewed with the Tourism Departments. He stated that the registration process is crucial as it enables these businesses to receive various facilities and benefits provided by the Government, thereby enhancing their service offerings and attracting more tourists.
The principal secretary discussed the common facilities centre under the ‘Cluster Development Programme Scheme’ for MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) by the government of India. This initiative aims to support local businesses by providing shared facilities, which can help reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. Recognizing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Soreng District, the Principal Secretary emphasized the potential for bird watching as a significant tourist attraction. He also mentioned that the coordination among all stakeholders and associations involved in the tourism sector is important.
The Principal Secretary assured stakeholders that their demands and grievances will be taken seriously. The meeting was organised as desired by HCM to promote tourism in Soreng District, He informed that Nathula pass could also be available from Soreng, on the production of documents showing accommodation in any hotel or homestay of Soreng District.
PCE (Tourism) in his short address mentioned the influence of good and clean biodiversity where Soreng shines and thus will aid in boosting tourism. He also talked about tourism-related training for homestay owners where they can learn about the mechanism of running and functioning homestays in an effective manner. He also urged the stakeholders to form a ‘Homestay Development Committee’ of the Soreng district which will help in the cluster development tourism initiative.
DC Soreng informed that the Soreng District needs capacity building, community involvement and existing infrastructure needs to be operational. As Soreng District is an Aspirational District he stressed sustainable tourism, Agro Tourism, Modern Farm Development, Nature trails, farm stays, Jungle Safari, and Eco-Friendly Safari from Bhareng to Gorkhe can be done. He also urged the youths and stakeholders to come forward and support the administration towards the common goal of expanding tourism in Soreng.
DFO (Wildlife) presented a PowerPoint and a video presentation on the Development of Eco-Tourism at Zandi Dara Soreng.
SDM Soreng shared his experiences and observations regarding tourism potential in the Soreng District. He also gave valuable input to the house during the open house discussion.
AD Soreng (Tourism) briefed the department about the assets in the Soreng District and mentioned some grievances of the Tourism Information Centre.
The meeting also had an Open House Discussion between the officials, Stakeholders and Travel Agencies.
MLA Rinchenpong emphasized that Rinchenpong has sufficient land available, making it a prime location for developing various tourism-related projects. Agro Tourism, which combines agricultural activities with tourism, was specifically mentioned as a promising avenue for development by him. He mentioned that this type of tourism allows visitors to experience farming activities, rural life, and local culture, providing a unique and educational experience.
He urged the relevant departments to verify the tourism potential of the area while allotting homestays. He also informed that the people of the district are ready and willing to cooperate with the Department. This local support is crucial for the successful implementation of tourism projects, as it ensures community involvement and sustainability, he added. He also urged the tourism department to focus on making rural and adventure tourism synonymous with West Sikkim which includes Gyalshing and Soreng Districts.
Mr Golay mentioned about Vrindavan Dham at Dodak, Rabindranath Bhawan at Rinchenpong and MangerjungProject. He informed the gathering of the HCM’s vision of boosting the tourism sector in Soreng for which numerous ongoing projects are being constructed for the same purpose. He thanked the HCM for his keen interest towards the people of Soreng in regard to the enhancement of tourism by bringing the department officials to the people for deliberation and probable solutions.
He further emphasized the importance of skill development to ensure that local residents are well-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities created by these projects. He urged local stakeholders, including businesses, community leaders, and residents, to actively participate in enhancing the tourism sector in Soreng. Mr. Golay highlighted the importance of a reciprocal relationship between the stakeholders and the government, wherein they are credible towards the assets entrusted to them by the department.
The Principal Secretary delivered an informative address regarding the ongoing and future initiatives for enhancing tourism in Soreng District. He informed about the Cultural Heritage Site of Soreng District and highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Soreng District, encouraging stakeholders to actively participate in preserving and promoting these heritage sites. The Registration and Renewal of Home-Stays and Hotels of Stakeholders, including owners of home-stays and hotels, were urged to ensure their establishments are registered and renewed with the Tourism Departments. He stated that the registration process is crucial as it enables these businesses to receive various facilities and benefits provided by the Government, thereby enhancing their service offerings and attracting more tourists.
The principal secretary discussed the common facilities centre under the ‘Cluster Development Programme Scheme’ for MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) by the government of India. This initiative aims to support local businesses by providing shared facilities, which can help reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. Recognizing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Soreng District, the Principal Secretary emphasized the potential for bird watching as a significant tourist attraction. He also mentioned that the coordination among all stakeholders and associations involved in the tourism sector is important.
The Principal Secretary assured stakeholders that their demands and grievances will be taken seriously. The meeting was organised as desired by HCM to promote tourism in Soreng District, He informed that Nathula pass could also be available from Soreng, on the production of documents showing accommodation in any hotel or homestay of Soreng District.
PCE (Tourism) in his short address mentioned the influence of good and clean biodiversity where Soreng shines and thus will aid in boosting tourism. He also talked about tourism-related training for homestay owners where they can learn about the mechanism of running and functioning homestays in an effective manner. He also urged the stakeholders to form a ‘Homestay Development Committee’ of the Soreng district which will help in the cluster development tourism initiative.
DC Soreng informed that the Soreng District needs capacity building, community involvement and existing infrastructure needs to be operational. As Soreng District is an Aspirational District he stressed sustainable tourism, Agro Tourism, Modern Farm Development, Nature trails, farm stays, Jungle Safari, and Eco-Friendly Safari from Bhareng to Gorkhe can be done. He also urged the youths and stakeholders to come forward and support the administration towards the common goal of expanding tourism in Soreng.
DFO (Wildlife) presented a PowerPoint and a video presentation on the Development of Eco-Tourism at Zandi Dara Soreng.
SDM Soreng shared his experiences and observations regarding tourism potential in the Soreng District. He also gave valuable input to the house during the open house discussion.
AD Soreng (Tourism) briefed the department about the assets in the Soreng District and mentioned some grievances of the Tourism Information Centre.
The meeting also had an Open House Discussion between the officials, Stakeholders and Travel Agencies.