Gangtok, Jun 30 (PTI) Sikkim's only Lok Sabha MP, Indra Hang Subba, held a meeting on Monday with Sanjay Kumar Jha, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture. He presented a representation calling for prompt action to restore flight operations at Pakyong airport and improve connectivity in the state's northern regions.
A statement from Subba's office explained that the MP briefed Jha on the current challenges faced by locals and tourism stakeholders in North Sikkim due to a series of natural calamities.
Notably, these included the Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 4, 2023, and the flash flood of June 1, both of which wreaked havoc on essential infrastructure.
The Toong-Naga stretch, in particular, suffered significant damage, cutting off crucial destinations like Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Yumesamdong, Katao, Kalapathar, and Gurudongmar Lake.
In his representation, Subba demanded immediate action to restore all damaged roads and bridges leading to major tourist destinations in the state.
He underscored the need for climate-resilient infrastructure development, such as elevated roads and tunnels.
Further, he advocated for a special relief package targeting tourism stakeholders, which should include homestays, tour operators, transporters, and measures like moratoriums, loan restructuring, waivers on penal interest, and emergency credit lines.
He also stressed the strategic importance of these roads for national security due to their proximity to the India-China border.
The representation addressed issues at Pakyong airport as well.
Subba sought the swift resumption of SpiceJet flights linking Pakyong with Delhi and other vital cities.
He also proposed expanding the runway from 1.75 km to 3 km to accommodate larger aircraft and suggested that Air India and other airlines acquire Bombardier Q-400 aircraft, ideal for regional operations at Pakyong.
The MP remarked on Sikkim's recent golden jubilee of statehood, emphasizing that bolstering connectivity is crucial for the state's development.
The parliamentary committee is currently on a five-day tour of the Himalayan state.
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