Press Release
Press Release from Fisheries Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Joint Site Survey Conducted at Old Topakhani Tunnel for Proposed Heritage Fish Museum in Sikkim.
Gangtok, 17 March 2026: A joint site survey was conducted today at the Old Topakhani Tunnel to assess its feasibility and potential for development into Sikkim’s premier Heritage Fish Museum. The proposed initiative aims to promote awareness of aquatic biodiversity, encourage eco-tourism, and showcase the rich angling heritage of the State.
The inspection was carried out collaboratively by representatives from the Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, Forest Department, Tourism Department, Mines and Geology Department, Roads and Bridges Department, Land Revenue Department, and the Anglers Association of Sikkim.
During the survey, the team evaluated the structural condition of the Old Topakhani Tunnel and assessed the environmental suitability of the site for establishing a fish museum. The team also examined the infrastructural requirements necessary for tourism development, including visitor access, safety provisions, and interpretative facilities. In addition, legal, land ownership, and regulatory aspects related to the proposed development were reviewed. Stakeholders present during the survey also shared their inputs for concept planning and future implementation of the project.
The proposed Heritage Fish Museum is envisioned as a unique attraction that will highlight Sikkim’s aquatic biodiversity, indigenous fish species, and the long-standing tradition of angling in the region. The project is expected to contribute significantly to environmental education, research, and sustainable tourism promotion in the State.
The joint site survey established the preliminary viability of transforming the Old Topakhani Tunnel into a flagship Heritage Fish Museum. Once developed, the facility is expected to emerge as a landmark destination combining conservation, education, and tourism, thereby contributing to the broader vision of sustainable development in Sikkim.
Gangtok, 17 March 2026: A joint site survey was conducted today at the Old Topakhani Tunnel to assess its feasibility and potential for development into Sikkim’s premier Heritage Fish Museum. The proposed initiative aims to promote awareness of aquatic biodiversity, encourage eco-tourism, and showcase the rich angling heritage of the State.
The inspection was carried out collaboratively by representatives from the Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, Forest Department, Tourism Department, Mines and Geology Department, Roads and Bridges Department, Land Revenue Department, and the Anglers Association of Sikkim.
During the survey, the team evaluated the structural condition of the Old Topakhani Tunnel and assessed the environmental suitability of the site for establishing a fish museum. The team also examined the infrastructural requirements necessary for tourism development, including visitor access, safety provisions, and interpretative facilities. In addition, legal, land ownership, and regulatory aspects related to the proposed development were reviewed. Stakeholders present during the survey also shared their inputs for concept planning and future implementation of the project.
The proposed Heritage Fish Museum is envisioned as a unique attraction that will highlight Sikkim’s aquatic biodiversity, indigenous fish species, and the long-standing tradition of angling in the region. The project is expected to contribute significantly to environmental education, research, and sustainable tourism promotion in the State.
The joint site survey established the preliminary viability of transforming the Old Topakhani Tunnel into a flagship Heritage Fish Museum. Once developed, the facility is expected to emerge as a landmark destination combining conservation, education, and tourism, thereby contributing to the broader vision of sustainable development in Sikkim.
