Governor begins three-day visit of North Sikkim,inaugurates newly-renovated gymnasium hall at Chungthang

MANGAN, (IPR): Governor Om Prakash Mathur started his three-day official visit of Mangan district today. The Governor was formally received by Mangan DC Anant Jain and SP L.B. Chettri and escorted to Chungthang for the first leg of the programme.

At Chungthang, Governor Mathur was accorded a warm welcome by Social Welfare minister and area MLA Samdup Lepcha along with panchayats and officers of Mangan district and Chungthangsubdivision.This was followed by the ceremonial guard of honour by Sikkim Police personnel.

At Chungthang, the Governor inaugurated the newly-renovated gymnasium hall and dedicated the facility to the local public. The Governor and minister Samdup Lepcha engaged in a friendly game of badminton.

It may be recalled that Chungthang GPU was adopted by Governor Mathur to provide necessary support to help rebuild the area after it was severely damaged due to the GLOF that occurred in 2023. Since then, he has laid high priority to the development of Chungthang by providing financial assistance to build vital infrastructure to help the place regain its lost glory.

In addition to other vital infrastructure, the renovation of the gymnasium hall was sponsored by Lok Bhawan, reflecting a continued commitment towards strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting community development in the region.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by district collector Anant Jain, who highlighted the importance of strengthening sports infrastructure and providing improved facilities to nurture young sporting talent in the district. He thanked the Governor for adopting Chungthang and laying special emphasis on its development.

Minister Samdup Lepcha spoke about the significance of the renovated facility in promoting a vibrant sports culture in Chungthang and creating opportunities for the youth to actively participate in indoor sports and athletic activities.

The minister also recalled the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 4, 2023 and appreciated the timely relief and rehabilitation efforts undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

The minister expressed gratitude to the Governor for adopting Chungthang GPU and for visiting the disaster-affected region on three separate occasions to personally assess the situation and supplement the rehabilitation efforts.

Lepcha further highlighted that the reconstruction of important infrastructure, including PhuPhu Stadium and Chungthangpolice station, along with the development of sports infrastructure such as the renovated gymnasium hall, have greatly benefitted the people of the area. He described the Governor’s presence as a blessing for the people of Chungthang and acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the Governor and the State government in ensuring the development of the region.

He also pointed out certain challenges faced by local youth due to the use of Chungthang playground areas for parking by companies and army units, which restricts space for sports activities. He assured that the government remains committed to resolving such issues while ensuring that all government schemes and developmental programmes continue to be implemented smoothly in the region. He also highlighted the need for a Panchayat/Community Hall in Chungthang to support local administrative and community activities.

In his address, Governor Om Prakash Mathur emphasised the importance of sports in fostering discipline, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. He encouraged the youth to make full use of the facility and develop their sporting abilities. The Governor urged the people to treat public infrastructure not merely as government property but as their own, and to work collectively in maintaining and utilising such facilities for the benefit of the community. He also assured that the concerns and requests placed before him would be given due consideration.

On the submissions made by minister Samdup Lepcha in his address, the Governor made it loud and clear that PhuPhustadium (public ground) is an infrastructure created exclusively for the people of Chungthang and nearby areas and should not be used by Army, ITBP or any other private entity for parking and other purposes. He suggested for a separate place for parking, thereby allowing the civilians to use the ground for sporting and other recreational activities. The Governor also appreciated the prompt action taken by the local authorities to dismantle the police quarters which were in a dilapidated condition.

Further, responding to the point placed by the minister about the need for a community hall in Chungthang, the Governor announced a grant of Rs.90 lakh to build a community centre for official and social activities.

Present on the occasion were zilla and gram panchayat members, SP L.B. Chettri, ChungthangSDM Arun Chettri, ADC (Development) Hem Sagar Kaphley, Mangan SDPO RingkuOngmu Bhutia, ChungthangBDO JonaTargain, officials from various line departments, officers from the Lok Bhawan Secretariat and members of the public.