GANGTOK, SEPT 8: The High Court of Sikkim has directed the State Government to undertake a comprehensive review of tourism infrastructure, traffic management and basic amenities along major trekking routes and tourist destinations in the State.
The directions were issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan while hearing aa PIL, In Re–Tourism Infrastructure in Sikkim and Traffic Management on September 7.
Taking note of the affidavit concerning the Tshoka-Dzongri trekking route, the Court directed Amicus Curiae Ms. Neha Gupta to examine the infrastructure assessment and photographs submitted by the State and prepare a detailed report. The Court also noted that several other trekking routes in Sikkim require examination.
The Bench observed that the assessment concerning Tshoka showed that “certain huts are functional and certain are usable,” but there was no clear information beyond that. It directed the State Government to file a detailed report on the availability of basic amenities in these areas on the next date.
For trekking areas in North Sikkim, the Court directed the State to consult Army authorities and take appropriate action.
The Court also raised concerns over traffic congestion at Nathula, noting that permits were reportedly being issued for 800 vehicles a day, while the maximum parking capacity was stated to be only 500 vehicles. The court directed the State, while reviewing its policy, to consider fixing a standard daily parking capacity and introducing time limits governing the entry, visit and return of vehicles.
“If entire vehicles in one go reach the point, it might result in a nuisance for all the tourists who visit this place,” the Court observed.
The Amicus Curiae has further been directed to personally visit the identified locations in Tshoka and North Sikkim to assess the facilities on the ground. The expenses for the visits will be borne by the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (SSLSA).
In a significant development, the Court suo motu impleaded Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as an additional respondent, directing the Registry to issue notice.
The Court also directed Respondent No. 4, Sikkim Police to complete a comprehensive State-level traffic management framework within four weeks, based on district-level reports covering tourist destinations, traffic pressure points, parking capacity, bottlenecks and traffic regulation mechanisms.
The SSLSA has additionally been directed to have the respective District Legal Services Authorities inspect the condition of toilets and other amenities identified in a government chart, particularly where facilities were reported to be non-functional or dilapidated.
The matter has been listed for October 8, 2026. The State has also been directed to inform the Court about the timeline for formulation of its traffic management policy.
अनलाइन् खबर पत्रिका तथ्य जाँच र आचारसंहिता प्रतिवेदन:
यो सामग्री हाम्रा सम्पादक टोलीद्वारा तथ्य प्रमाणीकरण र प्रेस काउन्सिल अफ इन्डिया आचारसंहिता बमोजिम प्रकाशित गरिएको हो।
