Gangtok, May 15 (IANS) Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday reviewed several key infrastructure and development projects in Sikkim’s Namchi district, focusing on education, tourism, tea production, and sports development.​

On the second day of his official visit to Sikkim, Scindia visited the under-construction Khangchendzonga Sikkim State University at Tarku in Namchi, which is being developed as the state’s first university campus.​

Spread across 28 acres, the project has received financial support from the North Eastern Council under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region.​

Officials informed the Minister that the university is expected to accommodate over 1,500 students after completion.​

During the inspection, Scindia reviewed the progress of the administrative block and other infrastructure works and suggested incorporating more greenery and natural elements in line with Sikkim’s ecological character.​

The Union Minister later visited the famed Temi Tea Garden and its tea processing unit, where he interacted with tea workers and officials.​

He reviewed the production and packaging processes and discussed the estate’s export potential and its transition to liquefied petroleum gas-based manufacturing to reduce carbon residue.​

Scindia, who conversed fluently in Nepali with tea workers, was also informed about efforts to secure a Geographical Indication tag for Temi tea.​

The Minister also visited the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco Tourism and reviewed the proposed Namchi–Temi–Ravangla tourism circuit being developed with support from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.​

Later, Scindia attended the semi-final match of the fourth edition of the Sikkim Premier League at the Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi, where he highlighted PM Modi’s vision to transform the Northeast into a major sporting hub.​

The Union Minister also reviewed the ambitious Bhuleydunga Skywalk Project, being developed under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North East Region, at a cost of Rs 220 crore.​

Officials said the 240-metre circular glass skywalk, proposed at an elevation of 3,200 metres, is expected to become the world’s highest skywalk upon completion.​

–IANS

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