New Delhi: Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia reviewed key Sikkim development projects during his visit to Namchi on Friday. The minister inspected projects linked to education, tourism, sports infrastructure, and regional development under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. He also interacted with students, tea workers, and young sportspersons during the visit.
Scindia visited the under-construction Khangchendzonga Sikkim State University at Tarku in Namchi. Officials said the university is the first state university in Sikkim and is being developed across 28 acres. The North Eastern Council partly funded the project with ₹9.61 crore support. Authorities expect the institution to accommodate more than 1,500 students after completion.
During the inspection, the minister reviewed campus infrastructure and administrative block construction. He suggested adding more greenery and natural elements to match Sikkim’s ecological landscape. Later, Scindia visited the Temi Tea Estate and its processing unit. He reviewed tea production, packaging, and export operations while interacting with estate workers and women tea pluckers.
Sikkim development projects focus on tourism and sports
Officials briefed the minister on the tea estate’s transition to LPG-based processing systems to reduce carbon residue. Discussions also covered the proposal for GI certification for Temi Tea. Scindia later visited the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco Tourism at Chemchey. He reviewed the proposed Namchi-Temi-Ravangla tourism circuit being developed with support from the Ministry of DoNER.
The minister also inspected facilities for trekking, skiing, mountaineering, cycling, and eco-tourism activities. He suggested introducing more recreational activities to strengthen tourism potential in the region. Later, Scindia attended the semifinal match of the Sikkim Premier League at Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing the Northeast as a major sports hub.
Scindia also reviewed progress of the Bhaleydhunga Skywalk project under the PM-DevINE scheme. Officials said the 240-metre circular glass skywalk is being developed at an elevation of 3,200 metres with a project cost of ₹220 crore. Once completed, authorities expect it to become the world’s highest skywalk and further strengthen tourism-linked Sikkim development projects.
