Sikkim’s newly introduced Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) aimed at promoting responsible tourism and protecting its fragile Himalayan environment has collected over ₹40,000 since its rollout in March, state tourism officials said on Wednesday. As per the notification issued on March 5, 2025, tourists visiting Sikkim are required to pay an entry fee of ₹50, which will be used to develop tourism infrastructure and ensure environmental conservation.
However, the response has been modest so far. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, acknowledged that only 28 to 30 hotels have begun collecting the fee. “This is just the beginning,” he said, noting the challenges faced in the initial phase of implementation.
Rao attributed the slow uptake to teething problems and feedback from hoteliers. During a meeting with the Sikkim Hotels and Restaurant Association (SHRA), members suggested simplifying the fee collection process. A follow-up meeting is planned, after which the department expects to begin full-fledged implementation next week.