GANGTOK, March 3 – Sikkim tourism has not been spared from the effects of global warming. The Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim had planned to organize skiing in the State to promote adventure tourism and winter tourism, but failed in their bid because of poor snowfall in recent months.
“We had planned skiing sports at Kupup near Nathu-La border and Yumthang in West district to attract the tourists in winter season, the off-season for the State’s tourism business in January and February. But that could not be materialized as there are no snowfalls in the State in this season”, Palzor Lachungpa, president of the association said.
The Association has brought three skiers from Manali of Himalachal Pradesh. “We hired three teachers from Himachal Pradesh in January and till now they are in the State without any programme”, Lachungpa said.
Besides, the association had also planned to give ski training to 30 local educated youth in sponsorship of Tourism department.
“There was no snow fall throughout January and February, so we have kept in abeyance this training programme,” Lachungpa said, adding that their last hope is only March month and if there is no snowfall, they would not hold the training programme. Lachungpa, however, said the poor snowfall is not only in the State but Himachal Pradesh tourism has also been affected by climate change.
