Governor completes three-day tour of North Sikkim

MANGAN, 22 Aug: Governor Shriniwas Patil undertook a three-day tour of North Sikkim from 20-22 August. The Governor was accompanied by First Lady Smt. Rajanidevi Patil and escorted by district officials including DC North, TN Kazi, SP North, RN Yadav and SDM Chungthang, ST Tashi.

During his three-day tour, the Governor had a series of public meetings and visited different places of the district. After Mangan and Naga, the Governor was given a warm welcome by Panchayat and officials followed by guard of honor by ITBP Jawans at ITBP Camp, Pegong Chungthang. Later on, the Governor met with the District, sub-divisional officers and panchayat members and discussed about the functioning of district as well as sub-division offices.

On the second day, the Governor and entourage proceeded towards Lachen from ITBP Camp Pegong. The Governor visited Lachen Monastery and offered prayers and met with the Lamas. He met with the Pipons and Public at PWD Guest house, Lachen where the Pipons said that allowing passage to tourists via the alternate route of Donkiala pass towards Gurudongmar would affect the livelihood of people of Lachen since tourism is the only source of income for the local public. They requested the Governor's intervention in the matter.

The Pipons also appraised the Governor about the bad road conditions from Lachen to Gia-Gaon undertaken by GREF and demanded early maintenance of the road. On behalf of public, the Pipon put forward a request for installation of one more mobile phone tower at Rabom.

In the evening, the Governor and his entourage reached Lachung where he was accorded a traditional welcome at the Forest Rest House by the public of Lachung. Mr Patil met the Pipon and public of Lachung where he was apprised about the Army occupation of private lands in the area.

The case regarding the acquisition of land occupied by the Army is still lying before the High Court of Sikkim and the Pipon and public prayed to the Governor for early settlement of the case.

Secondly, the public of Lachung demanded uninterrupted service from BSNL. Responding to the demand and grievances placed before him, the Governor gave positive assurance to the public of Lachen and Lachung. He said that he will take the matter up with central authority for early and proper execution of work.

At the same time, he has asked the DC, North and SDM, Chungthang to proceed with all necessary action and to prepare a report of difficulties regarding telecommunication and Land Acquisition and submit the same to him.

On the third day, the Governor and his entourage visited Yumthang Valley. On the way back to Gangtok, landslide at Lanthey Khola blocked the road and the Governor could not proceed further.