Guwahati, 09 Sept (IPR): Chief Secretary of Sikkim, Shri A.K. Shrivastava, made a powerful presentation on the 2nd day of the 68th Plenary Meeting of NEC today.

Major issues highlighted were: Sikkim the 22nd State was the smallest in terms of population but now Ladhak (an UT) is the smallest. In an area of 7096 sq. kms no other place has so much of ecological Bio-Diversity. It is one of the Bio-Diversity hotspots of the world. It has the 3rd highest mountain peak of the world i.e Kanchendzonga. There are 6 peaks above the height of 22,000 feet. It has all the climate zones thinkable.

Sikkim is the world’s first Organic State. We are picking up the threads carefully so that we are able to maintain and sustain the tempo. We have the world’s first heritage site in the mixed category.

NERLP is doing extremely well in 2 out of 4 Districts (316 villages in West District and 271 villages in South District). SHG ladies have saved Rs. 8.00 crore so far which is remarkable. We are the best in tourism in the whole of the North East having got awards from the Ministry of Tourism in the small state category several times.

Gangtok is the most beautiful and cleanest hill station both according to India Today and Ministry of Urban Development. As on date, Sikkim gets 12 lakhs tourists against a population of 8 lakhs. But we are conscious of the fact that we should not and we cannot exceed our carrying capacity.

He requested the Ministry of DoNER to restore 6 subjects back to the NEC and also requested for the sanction of 3 Schemes viz; Equipments for Hospital in Gangtok, Hospital at Mangan and ISBT at Gangtok.