The tourism industry in North Bengal and Sikkim has suffered losses amounting to ₹500 crore, largely due to the devastating glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in October last year and repeated landslides along NH10.
These events, stakeholders say, have compounded the sector's woes, already battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Both Sikkim and Bengal have suffered massively in the tourism sector because of the GLOF, which triggered flash floods in the Teesta and other rivers," said Samrat Sanyal, a member of the North Bengal Tourism Promotion Task Force, a body formed by the Bengal government.
"The recurring landslides on NH10 added to the distress. These natural disasters have caused a loss of ₹500 crore to the tourism industry, which was already reeling from the impacts of the pandemic," he added.
Following the GLOF, Sikkim's key tourist hubs, including Kalimpong and Lachen in Mangan district, saw a sharp drop in visitor numbers.
The closure of NH10, the main access route to these destinations, compounded the situation, forcing tourists to cancel or re-route their trips. Lachen, a popular spot for its stunning views and cultural significance, remains closed to visitors.
"The road blockades have been a significant deterrent," Sanyal explained. "During this year’s monsoon, NH10 was shut several times due to landslides or road cave-ins, further discouraging tourists from visiting Sikkim and Kalimpong."
Sanyal, who also serves as the general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network (HHTDN), said the industry has lined up a series of events for World Tourism Day (WTD) on September 27 to raise awareness about the challenges they face.
This year’s theme is "Save Teesta, Save NH10, Save Tourism."
"We feel it is necessary to conserve the Teesta River and NH10 for the sake of tourism, which provides employment to thousands of local people," Sanyal said.
"We have also planned other events, including a colourful procession and a joy ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s toy train, with participation from specially-abled children," he added.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators Association (EHTTOA), another group representing the region’s tourism stakeholders, has also outlined its own plans for WTD.
Their focus is on promoting cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
"We will organise a cleanliness drive and a free health check-up camp in Khiarani-Punding, a hamlet on the fringes of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary," said Debasish Maitra, a senior member of EHTTOA.
"The area gained popularity after it was featured in the Ranbir Kapoor starrer Barfi. We want to send a message about clean, green tourism," Mitra added.
The events will also feature a car and bike rally, followed by a cultural programme to celebrate the region’s rich heritage and promote sustainable tourism practices.
"Hundreds of local residents are expected to join the festivities," Maitra added.
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