Gangtok, Jan 31 (IPR): The first State-Level Urban Conclave 2026 was organised by the Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim, here at a local hotel in Gangtok today.
The programme was chaired by Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Departments, Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, as the chief guest, along with Advisor, UDD, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, as the guest of honour.
Also present were Chairperson, UDD, Ms Chung Chung Bhutia, Officer on Special Duty, UDD, Ms Deo Kumari Pradhan, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, UDD, Mr Jitendra Singh Raje, and Principal Chief Architect cum Secretary, UDD, Ms Yogeeta Rai.
In his address, UDD Minister, Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, stated that the signs of progress and development in a State are often first reflected in its bazaars and urban centres. Strengthening urban infrastructure and civic amenities, he noted, is therefore central to improving overall quality of life and supporting economic growth, he added.
He stressed the importance of continuity in project implementation and called for efforts to ensure stability within the department so that officers associated with key projects are able to see them through effectively. This, he said, would help maintain institutional memory and improve efficiency in execution.
The Minister also underlined the need for comprehensive and well-prepared project proposals, encouraging officials to adopt an integrated approach to planning and implementation in order to avoid delays and repeated procedural revisions. He advised that proposals be submitted after thorough technical and financial detailing to facilitate smoother approvals and execution.
Highlighting the need to strengthen urban governance, he spoke about improving regulatory systems and streamlining licensing and compliance mechanisms to prevent revenue leakages and ensure fairness and transparency in urban administration.
He further emphasised the importance of evolving a balanced regulatory framework for both small and large establishments to promote orderly and equitable urban growth.
Additionally, the Minister called for renewed focus on completion of pending works within stipulated timelines and urged urban local bodies to prioritise essential civic services and public amenities in marketplaces and urban hubs. He also referred to ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening and supporting the urban local body workforce to enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
Encouraging a positive and solution-oriented work culture, he urged officers and staff to function as a cohesive team, viewing challenges as opportunities to innovate and improve systems.
He further suggested that such conclaves could be held periodically to review progress, share best practices, and sustain momentum in the State’s urban transformation efforts.
Advisor, UDD, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, in his brief address, termed the conclave a timely initiative that helped provide clearer insight into the functioning and challenges of the Urban Development Department. He appreciated the platform for enabling collective brainstorming and shared learning among officers and stakeholders.
Stressing teamwork and accountability, he urged officials to work with sincerity and focus on delivering practical, citizen-centric solutions. He also emphasised the need to modernise public services through digital systems to improve accessibility and transparency, while discouraging a culture of blame.
Highlighting basic urban priorities, he drew attention to the importance of street lighting, proper drainage, and maintenance of local water channels (jhoras), noting their direct impact on public safety and quality of life.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, UDD, Mr Jitendra Singh Raje, earlier in his inaugural address, stressed the need for a long-term, visionary, and solution-oriented roadmap to guide Sikkim’s urban transformation over the coming decades.
He informed that the idea for organising the conclave was envisioned by Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang to ensure open discussions among stakeholders that would contribute constructive ideas aligned with the state government’s vision of sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking urban growth.
Calling the conclave a potentially historic step in the State’s urban development journey, he stated that it would serve as an important platform for officers from various urban local bodies and departmental verticals to share ideas, exchange experiences, and collectively chart the future course of urban development in Sikkim.
Highlighting the rapid pace of urbanisation, he observed that Sikkim today reflects many characteristics of an urbanised State, with expanding bazaars, improved sanitation coverage, and growing infrastructure.
However, this transition has also brought increasing challenges, including pressure on water supply, sanitation systems, traffic congestion, and rising expectations of citizens for better urban services, he added.
He added that the role of urban governance has therefore become more critical than ever. In this context, he called upon officers and functionaries to shift focus from merely identifying problems to actively working towards practical and innovative solutions.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary also spoke about the need to balance development with environmental sustainability, given Sikkim’s fragile Himalayan ecology. He stressed that town planning and scientific urban management would play a crucial role in ensuring that growth remains both inclusive and environmentally responsible.
He further highlighted the department’s success in securing substantial project approvals and external assistance, and commended the dedication of officers who have been working beyond regular hours to strengthen urban governance in the State.
The technical sessions of the conclave began with a presentation on administration and municipal affairs by Special Secretary-cum-Director, Municipal Affairs, Mr Hemant Rai. He highlighted long-pending administrative and institutional issues faced by the Department and emphasised the need for structured discussions to resolve them.
His presentation also drew attention to regulatory and coordination aspects among urban local bodies and related institutions, stressing that the conclave provided an appropriate platform to identify gaps and suggest improvements in governance and service delivery.
This was followed by a series of presentations by officials from various Urban Local Bodies and project units, including the UDD Circle Office (South/West), Jorethang, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Rangpo Nagar Panchayat, Singtam Nagar Panchayat, Gangtok Smart City, Namchi Smart City, Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Naya Bazaar–Jorethang Nagar Panchayat, Namchi Municipal Council, Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat, the Sikkim Integrated Urban Development Project (ADB-supported project), and the Ropeway Project.
The presenters shared local-level experiences, ongoing initiatives, challenges on the ground, and proposals for strengthening urban infrastructure and civic services.
The programme later moved into thematic breakout sessions chaired by the Minister for Urban Development and co-chaired by the Advisor, UDD.
During these sessions, officers and representatives engaged in focused discussions and presentations on key sectors such as urban construction works, urban finance, urban planning, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Swachh Bharat Mission and waste management practices in Gangtok.
The sessions aimed at fostering active participation and solution-oriented deliberations to improve efficiency, coordination, and long-term urban planning across the state.
The conclave continued for eight hours and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the Joint Chief Town Planner, UDD, Ms. Samjana Pradhan.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Principal Chief Architect cum Secretary, UDD, Ms Yogeeta Rai.