Wednesday, Jan 19, 2005
Wednesday, Jan 19, 2005 |
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By Marcus Dam
KOLKATA, JAN. 18. The Sikkim Government plans to open to mountaineers within three months around 10 peaks in the snow-capped Himalayan range that flanks its northern and western parts. Mountains such as the Kanchenjunga, one of the eight that are considered guardian deities by the local people, will, however, remain out of reach. The altitude of the summits that are permitted to be scaled is not more than 20,000 feet. ''We have not chosen peaks exceeding this height considering the risks of accident and the difficulties in conducting rescue operations in the event of a mishap,'' the State's Tourism Minister, R.B. Subba, told The Hindu . Climbing is now allowed only on four mountains in the State, all located in the West district. This is largely confined to local mountaineers. ``By opening up more peaks we plan to encourage adventure tourism. We have been greatly encouraged by the response from foreign tour operators, mainly those based in Europe,'' Mr. Subba said. ``Climbers will have to pay a levy for their expeditions... and the revenue will be ploughed back for tourism development,'' he added. The State's Ecclesiastical Department has drawn up a list of peaks, caves and lakes considered sacred and where climbing and other sport are prohibited. These strictures have been in place ever since the time when Sikkim was a monarchy, ruled by the Chogyal. The strictures are in deference to the religious sentiments of the tribal communities of the region including the Bhutias and the Lepchas. ``Mountaineers have been attempting to scale the Kanchenjunga from the Nepal side, but climbing the sacred mountain from our side is prohibited,'' Mr. Subba added. Also considered sacred, among others, are Mt Pandim, Mt Narsing and Mt Kabru.
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