Forest minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha inaugurated Greater Rangit Ecotourism Festival, 2016

Gangtok, 10 December: State Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department (FEWMD) Minister Mr. T. W. Lepcha inaugurated the three day long ‘Greater Rangit Ecotourism Festival, 2016’ with the theme Discover Kitam at Kitam- Manpu GPU today. The festival is organized by Mayur-Kitam EDC under the aegis of Directorate of Ecotourism, SBFP-JICA and Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department. Also, present during the festival were Officials, Panchayats and local gentry.

Addressing, the gathering Minister Mr. T. W. Lepcha extended his warm greetings and congratulated the organizing committee on the successful organization of the maiden Greater Rangit Ecotourism Festival, 2016. Mr. Lepcha underlined the importance of eco- tourism festival which aims at advocating and generating awareness about responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Explaining, about the concept of eco-tourism Mr. Lepcha elucidated that eco-tourism is a beneficial category under the tourism sector wherein planning and management is prepared by the local people thereby empowering these local people in boosting and encouraging the tourist to visit the area. 

The minister also highlighted that eco-tourism can create an ample opportunity in the area such as creation of jobs locally through prospects of working as guide, retailing arts and crafts, providing accommodations to the visiting tourist by creating home stay and by setting up of many more improved facilities. Mr. Lepcha also drew attention on the importance of preserving the environment and updated that the State Government has consistently worked towards conservation of the environment through initiatives such as the 10 Minutes to Earth programme, the Paryavaran Mahotsav, banning of the bursting of fire-crackers and many more activities to preserve the rich bio-diversity of Sikkim.

Speaking during the festival Director, Directorate of Ecotourism Mr. J. B. Subba spoke in brief about the aim and objective of Greater Rangit Ecotourism Festival which is an initiative of the State Government for creation of a platform to inform the local population to recognize the importance of protecting the biological diversity along with enhancing the nature-based tourism activities in the concerned area. Mr. Subba also spoke about the requirement of ample number of professional guides in the state. In, this regard he encouraged the local youths to undergo a certified training guide program so that they can assist the visiting tourist.

Chairman STDC Mr. R. N. Rai also addressed the festival where he informed the gathering about the various initiatives of the State Government in promotion of tourism. Additionally, he advocated the local youths to come forward and support and further develop the tourism sector in the state.

The main features of the Greater Rangit Ecotourism Festival are White Water Rafting, Outdoor Camping, Traditional Organic Food, Trekking, Hiking, Canopy Walking, Local and Traditional sports.