SHRA meet mulls ways to maintain Pelling’s tourism sanctity

SHRA meet mulls ways to maintain Pelling’s tourism sanctity

SHRA meet mulls ways to maintain Pelling’s tourism sanctity

Gangtok, March 20:Pelling, the pioneer of village tourism in Sikkim at 6250 Ft at West district is reeling under acute problems in recent days, which is likely to impact the town best known as the base camp and transit point for all tourism activities in the district. Now, the hoteliers and restaurants are facing serious water, drainage, garbage and energy related problems.
In an attempt to work out strategies to improve basic prerequisites for around 100 hotels and restaurants in Pelling area, the Sikkim Hotel and Restaurant Association held a coordination meeting with the local hoteliers and restaurant owners at a local hotel in Pelling today.The meeting that was attended by members of Pelling Tourism Development Association (PTDA) members, other tourism stakeholders and government department officials deliberated on the issue and problem faced in the locality to maintain and promote quality, rural and healthy tourism in Pelling and West Sikkim in general.
The SHRA team comprising by president Bhanu Pratap Rasaily, vice-president Arthur Targain, General Secretary Vivek Pradhan and assistant general secretary Basu Upreti heard the grievances faced by the hoteliers in Pelling.
The multi-taxation system imposed by the different departments of state government, acquit shortage of petroleum gas cylinder and mismanagement of water supply by the department of Public Health, Security and Engineering were the major concerns and complaints of the local hoteliers.
It is informed that the water supply which was provided by the department was washed away by the landslide, is not heard after the several complaints and request were made to the district officials of concerned department. The hoteliers are compelled brought water from other private source through other means of sources.
Garbage management is another issue of concerned Pelling nowadays, and it reflects the planning and management of concerned departments while promoting Sikkim as tourist destination. Pelling, pioneer village destination, tourism department fail to promote into eco-destination in coordination with line departments.
SHRA President Bhanu Pratap Rasaily said Pelling is a ‘pearl’ of Sikkim tourism and reflects Sikkim’s interior tourism quality, thus should be managed with great care. Rich in bio-diversity and culture, tradition and heritage business Sikkim added additional attraction in tourism industries. He also appealed for the stakeholders’ cooperation maintain Pelling’s tourism popularity in Sikkim’s tourism map.