Sikkim shopping complex deprives 16 traders

Gangtok: Delay in the inauguration of a shopping complex near the renowned Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim is depriving a group of 16 traders of their earnings. The complex was scheduled for inauguration on 3 December 2007, by the chief minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, but the plan is pending still.

The tourism department of the Sikkim state government decided to shift the previous shopping complex from the vicinity of the lake to a newly constructed one, after the lake, considered sacred in Sikkim, was affected following heavy tourist flow to the spot.

“We were allotted spaces through lottery at the new complex. While others have received their shares, 16 traders, who had shops at the previous location were left out, said one of the affected, Mrs Dawa Sherpa.

“We are desperately waiting for getting spaces for our shops at the new complex, but that part is yet to be inaugurated,” she added.

The shopping complex was completed in November 2007, and was supposed to be inaugurated by the chief minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, on 3 December 2007, as is mentioned in the inauguration board. But Mr Chamling was in Delhi at that point of time and so it was expected that he would inaugurate it after his return. But that did not happen.

“Keys have been distributed to 31 shopkeepers. The rest would be distributed according to the official rules,” said Mr Vishal Chouhan, DC (East), who is in charge of distributing the new shops. He refused to talk further on the subject.

Source: The Statesman