SIKKIM: Valley turns flowerpot – Governor inaugurates rhododendron festival, gives tips to pull tourists to Sikkim


The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, where the Sikkim governor opened the International Rhododendron Festival on Sunday. Picture by Prabin Khaling
Gangtok, April 26: All trails leading to the meadows of Yumthang Valley at 118,00 feet now have rhododendrons in full bloom at every bend.

In a rich season, rhododendrons in various shades of red and violet paint a riot of colours along the high altitude areas of North Sikkim relegating the silent conifers and imposing peaks to the background.

A visibly impressed Bengal governor M.K. Narayanan expressed his good fortune to be holding the additional charge of Sikkim, which enabled him to inaugurate the International Rhododendron Festival during this blooming season.

“It is my good fortune to inaugurate the festival and the magnificent display of rhododendrons really pleases our hearts and eyes,” said the governor while declaring the festival open yesterday at Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary located at the base of the Yumthang Valley.

“The decision to hold the festival at this location — both to showcase the well-preserved ecology and forests of the region and to create awareness among the local communities of the need to protect their rich flora, especially the rhododendrons and high altitude fauna — is indeed an inspired one,” said Narayanan.

The festival has been organised by the Sikkim forest department to synchronise with the state’s celebration of 2010 as the Year of Tourism.

The governor promised to do his best to promote Sikkim tourism with the help of the Union ministry of tourism. He suggested to the organisers to make a video of the festival and showcase the natural beauty of Sikkim all over the country.

Narayanan also complimented the Sikkim government for taking exemplary steps to conserve its natural resources.

“I fully endorse the idea that conservation can be only achieved if it is linked to the socio-economic development and livelihood security of local populations. Local people will protect the forest only if they realise that forest is worth more to them as a forest rather than as felled trees,” said Narayanan.

Sikkim Speaker K.T. Gyalsten said the Himalayan state symbolised the beauty of nature.

He pointed out three factors which were necessary to promote tourism — peace, security and facility. The state government has been able to take care of these factors and it is the responsibility of the people to exploit the opportunities, he said.

The forest minister, Bhim Dhungel, said the festival was the first of its kind where tourists can celebrate nature. The initiative is to showcase the natural beauty of the state to the world, he said.

The governor also flagged off a mountain biking rally organised as part of the festival. The Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim, under whose aegis the expedition is being held, will also conduct various other adventure activities like outdoor camping and short treks along the rhododendron forests during the festival, which will conclude on May 15.

source:the telegraph