Guwahati: Sikkim is overhauling its tourism regulation. The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department proposed an integrated online permit system to manage restricted and protected areas. This plan covers high-traffic zones like the Tsomgo and Nathula routes plus the Lachen and Lachung circuits. The state wants more transparency. Revenue loss is a major problem. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Raj Kumar Yadav says the move fixes broken tracking.
"The proposed system has been designed to address revenue leakages under previous arrangements and ensure that legitimate tourism revenue reaches the state."
Permit payments shift to digital processing to create audit trails. Authorized Sikkim-based agencies will use unique logins to manage applications. The system adds geo-fencing and digital monitoring to track tourist movement. Permits are non-transferable to stop resale. The state keeps full control of the framework, using developers only as service providers. Offline capabilities will keep services running during power or internet outages.
Local residents keep their current permit access without fees. However, the state is tightening rules for transport. Outside-state vehicles and bikes face a total ban on regulated routes. Only Sikkim-registered taxis and approved bikes get access. The plan also funds garbage management for the Nathang-Machong area. Officials want to balance tourist growth with the protection of fragile environments.
Comments