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Chamling credits Sikkim’s forest wealth to nature worshippers

CM inaugurates Paruhang Sapten Mangkhim
Chamling credits Sikkim’s forest wealth to nature worshippers

Sikkim Express: www. sikkimexpress. com

Chamling credits Sikkim’s forest wealth to nature worshippers

GANGTOK, November 27: Crediting Sikkim’s forest wealth to its people who have been nature worshippers since early days, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today said the people in this part of the world have been living with nature even in the face of global warming scenario.
“We are still working towards preservation of the forest wealth and protecting nature in many ways,” he said this after the inauguration of Paruhang Sapten Mangkhim at Ranka, few kilometres from here.
In the same vein, Mr. Chamling cited encroachment and environmental misbalance that has led to sightings of Himalayan Black Bear in different human habitats across Sikkim and its subsequent threats to the people.
Stressing on environment, the Chief Minister informed that four percent of forest cover in the State have been increased along with increase in water sources and population of fauna life. The green mission and smriti van programmes, he added were exemplary examples that led to this success.
At the same time, he said that all roads in Sikkim would be made green and eco-friendly. “Today the government is working for the true development of Sikkim in all spheres of life including development of pilgrimage tourism in the state,” he said.
On local development, the Chief Minister announced that the road from Dhajey to Gangtok will be double lane. The 12 km stretch will have five bridges, he said. “I am working for the upliftment of poor and uneducated and will rather turn the weakness of the people to strength which eventually will be an act of true leadership,” the CM added.
In the context of pay scale revision, Mr. Chamling urged all the government employees to perform their duties responsibly as 300 percent basic scales amounting to Rs 1200 crore have been increased in the fourth pay commission. “The Sikkim government employees are given the best of the facility compared to the rest of the country in the state but if they still speak ill of the government then I will be left with no other option than introduce the Central 6th Pay Commission directly in the State,” he added.
While congratulating the person behind the Mangkhim construction, the Chief Minister also appreciated the generous contribution of those land owners who had given the land for the construction of the religious structure. This structure, Mr. Chamling said would definitely add charm in the tourism industry.
Earlier, IB Rai, one of the members of the Mangkhim construction committee thanked the land owners for providing such a huge land for a good cause along with 50/50 sq ft free land as well. The owners of the said land were Dhurba Kumar Rai and Ashok Rai.
Mr. Rai added that the land cost was around Rs. 7 lakhs.
The area of the Mangkhim measuring 20, 000 sq ft consists of Library, Museum, six shops, one canteen, toilets for both male and female, parking facilities. Additionally, the 35 ft high khukuri structure would be made with the special metal which would be in a crossing position. This structure will accommodate restaurants and dormitories having 20 capacities each for both male and female along with toilet, 7 suite rooms and VIP rooms as well 300 seated multipurpose hall. The over all area of the Mangkhim measures about 66,500 sq ft, it was informed.
The chief patron of ARKS Central Committee said the said committee have invested about Rs. 18 lakhs in building the walls as required.
Special Rai dance, Sili was also staged on the occasion.

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