MLA Pamin Lepcha leads high-level inspection to boost border area development

MLA of 21-Gnathang Machong Constituency and Advisor to the Social Welfare Department, Ms. Pamin Lepcha, conducted a high-level joint inspection of strategic locations under the Gnathang Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) today. The inspection focused on key areas including Tsomgo Lake, Sherathang, and the Nathula border region.

The exercise brought together senior officials from multiple departments to assess infrastructure and address development challenges in these critical border areas. Accompanying the MLA were Ms. Karma Yutso Bhutia, Secretary of the Commerce & Industries Department, along with her technical team; Principal Chief Engineers of the Buildings & Housing and Roads & Bridges Departments, YN Gautam and KC Sharma, respectively; and Additional Chief Engineer Dibya Gurung. Divisional Forest Officers SK Thatal and Pem Diki Sherpa also participated in the inspection.

Additional dignitaries included Gangtok ADM Sonam W Bhutia, Panchayat representative Tshering Yanzee Sherpa, President of the Indo-China Border Trade Association Sonam Gyatso Bhutia, and General Secretary Nim Lhamu Sherpa.

The joint inspection centred on Sherathang Mart, a vital economic and logistical hub near the Indo-China border, which plays a crucial role in cross-border trade during the trading season. Officials examined roads, power supply and electrical infrastructure, mart houses, trade shopping complexes, and other essential amenities.

MLA Pamin Lepcha emphasized the strategic importance of Sherathang and surrounding regions, highlighting their role not only in economic development but also in national security. She stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination to address challenges efficiently, ensuring that development projects meet both local needs and broader strategic objectives.