1 Feb : Former Foreign Secretary Shyam Sharan said the Centre was committed to provide modern infrastructure and connectivity to Sikkim for which a slew of projects have already been sanctioned, including an alternative highway and a Greenfield airport.
"There cannot be two views on the Himalayan state’s requirement for better infrastructure and connectivity with the rest of the country," Sharan said.Sharan, who is a member of the PM’s Council on Climate Change, said the Centre has already approved an alternative highway, a Greenfield airport at Pakyong and the extension of rail link upto Rangpo for boosting the infrastructure and connectivity to the border state.
On the frequent blockade of NH 31(A), the sole highway connecting Sikkim with other parts of the country, due to political agitation in Darjeeling Hills, he said, "the Centre is committed to ensure that the state should not remain cut off due to political agitations or natural calamities."
With regard to state government’s request for relaxation of security-related norms for development of tourism in areas under the control of the army in north and eastern districts, the PM’s envoy said there should be a balance between the security considerations and the development needs.