CM spells out development agenda for Namchi

NAMCHI: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling began the week in Namchi with a frenetic round of inspections followed by a detailed meeting with concerned officials who were handed over clear tasks and reminded them of the need to ensure quality delivery.
Among his various announcements, the Chief Minister declared the construction of flyovers at various points in and around Namchi; upgradation and construction of the community centre with car parking facility, library and a roof-top helipad service; completion of the ropeway from Namchi to Samdrupste by March 2015; completion of Bhaichung Stadium by 2015; pedestrian footpath; maintenance and enhancement of Char Dhaam; construction of an eco-friendly guest house; new taxi stand at Kopchey; construction of GVA office at Singthithang; food godown on Jorethang road;  shifting of NMC and UD&HD offices;  construction of a bus and truck stand; better road connectivity; construction of recreational parks and community centers.
The Chief Minister further stressed that it was extremely important for the people of Namchi to keep the town clean, plastic-free and eco-friendly.
Assuring to fulfill the various demands and grievances placed by the public of Namchi, the Chief Minister directed the respective departments to prepare DPRs on priority basis.
Earlier, the CM started the day with a visit to Chaar Dham where he attended a prayer ceremony and then chaired a brief meeting. The meeting focused on repair and renovation works and the upgradation of infrastructure at Chaar Dham. Addressing the members of the Chaar Dham Trust he pointed out various shortfalls noticed in the premises which were overlooked by the Trust members. Issues like insufficient utilization, improper maintenance and lack of protection of the assets at the Chaar Dham were highlighted.
He called for the active participation of all, including the pundits and members of the Trust for ‘social fencing’ of Chaar Dham to protect its sanctity and serenity.
The Chief Minister pointed out the unhygienic condition of the washrooms in the complex and urged the Trust members and concerned department to give priority to improve sanitation standards. In case more washrooms are required at the complex, DPR should be prepared and put up by the concerned department, he directed. In the same way shortage of parking space and other amenities required for the up gradation of the complex should be proposed by the Trust and the concerned department, he added.
Keeping in mind the number of complaints which has reached the Chief Minister from the visitors from outside the State regarding the inhospitality experienced by them in Chaar Dham, he advised all involved, including pundits, to give out positive message and good impression to the visitors through their conduct and service. Further, he stressed on proper use and planned disposal of water in Chaar Dham and at the same time he also directed the concerned department to conduct proper treatment of sewage discouraging the use of chemical fertilizer for its treatment. In this regard he asked the department and Dham Committee to go for an alternative method to treat the sewage.  
In the course of his address announcing some government policies, he stated that all the pilgrimage centers within the state will be brought under Tourism Department and similarly directed Special Secretary Sarala Rai to take up this matter immediately.
The CM also directed the Tourism Department and DC South to immediately remove the washrooms located below the statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse as the present location was not in keeping with spiritual ambience.
The Chief Minister also announced exemption of entry fee to Chaar Dham for the Sikkimese [on the production of either voter card, COI, Driving license, Trade license or any other proof to support their Sikkimese identity at the main entrance].
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the CCTV installed at various spots on Central Park along with WiFi connection in the park installed by Namchi Municipal Council with the objective of making Namchi the first ‘smart town’ in Sikkim.
Addressing the youth of Namchi the Chief Minister encouraged the educated unemployed youth to establish tourism-based ventures. He also announced that the vacant shops in the car plaza would be handed over to the unemployed youth if they are not put to use within a month.