Namchi, May 15: Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Friday toured several locations across Namchi district in Sikkim as part of the second day of his official visit to the state, reviewing major initiatives related to education, tourism, tea production and sports infrastructure.
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| Union Minister for Communications and DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia interacts with tea workers during his visit to Temi Tea Estate in Namchi district, Sikkim, on Friday. (Image: DIO Namchi) |
The Union Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour by the 3rd IRBn at Temi Bungalow before visiting Sikkim State University, where he inspected infrastructure developed under the North Eastern Council (NEC). Superintending Engineer (Education) Kamlesh Pradhan briefed the Minister on facilities including the Administrative Block, Gymnasium and sports infrastructure. During the visit, Scindia emphasised the importance of preserving greenery and maintaining the natural environment within the university campus.
The Minister later visited Temi Tea Estate, where Managing Director Radha Pradhan briefed him on the history of Temi Tea, developments in tea manufacturing processes, quality standards and the expansion of Temi Tea products in the market. He also interacted with women tea pluckers and estate workers during the visit.
At the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism (IHCAE) in Chemchey, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department PCE-cum-Secretary Neeraj Pradhan presented plans for the development of the Namchi Tourism Circuit, including proposals for allied infrastructure to improve tourist footfall, visitor experience and sustainable tourism growth. JD/Principal of IHCAE Kazi Sherpa also highlighted various training programmes in adventure tourism offered by the institute.
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Scindia reviewed facilities related to rock climbing, ice climbing, cycling, mountaineering and guided eco-tourism initiatives during his inspection of the institute.
The Union Minister later attended the semi-final match of the ongoing Sikkim Premier League at Bhaichung Stadium between Yangthang United and Singling FC. Addressing the gathering, he said the Ministry of DoNER, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been actively creating sports infrastructure in the Northeast under initiatives such as Fit India Movement, One India Movement and One Sport One State. He added that the Ministry has constituted a high-level task force to support sports development in the region through capital investment and skill development.
The Minister also visited Tathagata Tsal, where Officer on Special Duty Tseten Bhutia briefed him on Buddhist traditions, Tibetan and Gandhara art forms, and sacred relics associated with Lord Buddha.
Later, Scindia proceeded to Yangang to inspect the ongoing construction of the Bhaley Dhunga Skywalk project supported under PM-DevINE. Travelling via the Bhuleydunga Ropeway, he reviewed the implementation progress and associated infrastructure components. Once completed, the 240-metre-long circular glass skywalk at an altitude of 3,200 metres is expected to become the world’s highest skywalk and significantly boost Sikkim’s tourism and adventure tourism sector.
Throughout the visit, the Union Minister was accompanied by several state ministers, MLAs, senior officials and representatives of Football Development Pvt. Ltd.
