D.T. Lepcha, a member of the Rajya Sabha from Sikkim, has reiterated his call for the resuscitation of the ancient trade route between India and Tibet via the Nathula Pass. Dr. Lepcha met with Aishwarya Singh, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, today at Udyog Bhawan in New Delhi, to stress the economic and strategic significance of reopening the trade channel. Dr. Lepcha emphasized Sikkim’s special status as a border state and stated that resuming trade through Nathula will strengthen regional ties, assist India’s Act East Policy, and improve local economies. “There is historical significance to the Indo-Tibet trade route that passes via Nathula Pass. Reopening it will boost border communities’ economic activity and fortify our connections in the Eastern Himalayan region,” he stated. At 14,140 feet, Nathula Pass was formerly a bustling commercial route connecting Tibet and India. The border trade has seen numerous difficulties in recent years, despite its resumption in 2006 following decades of closure. In order to guarantee long-term security and prosperity in this delicate border region, Dr. Lepcha emphasized the necessity of ongoing engagement.
Dr. Lepcha also raised the concerns of tea growers in the Nathang-Machong region of East Sikkim in addition to the trade plan. In order to establish a contemporary tea processing facility in the area, he filed a Detailed Project Report (DPR). According to the proposal, funding is required to increase the yield and marketability of tea produced locally. The Nathang-Machong belt’s farmers put a lot of effort into producing high-quality tea, but they are hampered by a lack of infrastructure for processing it. In addition to generating jobs, a tea processing plant will help farmers obtain higher prices, Dr. Lepcha stated. The Nathang-Machong Tea Growers’ Welfare Board is leading the initiative, which intends to boost the local economy sustainably. Dr. Lepcha promised to keep collaborating with all relevant ministries to make sure Sikkim’s domestic industry and vital trade routes get the assistance and attention they need. He expressed his hope that future policy talks will give the suggestions the attention they deserve.