Gangtok, December 8 (IPR): Chairman, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (T&CAD), Mr Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, chaired a press conference-cum-meeting to review potential paragliding sites in Sikkim at the Conference Hall of T&CAD, 5th Mile, today.
During the interaction, experts from Leh-Ladakh, South Korea and Germany informed that they had inspected and conducted trial flights over eight identified locations across the State. The shortlisted sites include Thangu Valley, Lachung–Yumthang, Mangan and Kabi in Mangan District; Linkhim Tar in Namchi District; Pelling in Gyalshing District; Chakung in Soreng District; and Rorathang in Pakyong District.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman highlighted the progressive direction of the Sikkim Paragliding Association in strengthening adventure tourism through paragliding activities. He stated that Sikkim’s unique topography and scenic landscapes make it highly suitable for paragliding. He also informed about the successful landing and site observations carried out by the international and domestic experts.
Additional Chief Secretary, T&CAD, Mr C.S. Rao, echoed the views of the Chairman and remarked that Sikkim holds immense potential to emerge as an international paragliding destination. He added that such adventure sports generate employment opportunities for local youth and assured full support from the State Government to promote paragliding in Sikkim.
The visiting paragliding experts Ms Koung Young Park of Korea Paragliding Association, Mr Fabian Bernd Lamm of German Paragliding Club and Mr Stanzin Sonam, paragliding expert from Leh-Ladakh, expressed their gratitude to the Government of Sikkim for the encouragement and support extended towards the promotion of paragliding in the State.
The press briefing was attended by President, Sikkim Paragliding Association, Mr Arun Gurung and Deputy Director, Adventure Tourism, T&CAD, Mr Manoj Chettri.