Lava to tap its tourism potential

SNS, Siliguri, 11 July 2013: The people of Lava ~ a tourist destination 10 km from Kalimpong ~ constituted a development committee to cater to the developmental needs of the inhabitants of the socially or economically backward, yet naturally exquisite region nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. 

The committee has decided to draw the state government’s attention to the distress of the locals, as Lava lags behind in every sector. The immense tourism potential of Lava, world- renowned for its natural beauty, has remained untapped. 

To develop this, the committee held a meeting on 4 July with members of the local hotel owners’ association and Algarah block-II development officer (BDO), said a resident of Algarah, Mr Kiran Tamang. 

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) member from Lava, Mr C P Powdel, the BDO, Mr Dawa Lepcha and others formulated strategies to promote tourism at Algarah block-II area comprising Lava-Loleygaon, Reshap, Kagey Lingsey, Pedong, Silleri Gaon, Echhey, Ramdhura, Algarah Burmaik and Kolakham. 

Members of the hotel owners’ association demanded immediate repair of the deplorable roads to Rishap, Lolegaon, Changey Falls and other destinations from Kalimpong. Ihe administration decided to approach departments like forest and public works to re-jig the tourism infrastructure. Identification of new tourist destinations in the region was also proposed.