<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif""><b>GANGTOK, :</b> In a significant initiative aimed at promoting responsible nature-based
tourism and strengthening environmental awareness, the Forest & Environment
department formally opened the Kyongnosla Alpine Trail at the Kyongnosla Alpine
Sanctuary on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">The
trail was inaugurated by Forest Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha in the presence
of Chairman, Tourism & Civil Aviation department, Sonam Norgay Lachungpa; Chairman,
State Medicinal Plant Board, Gyatso Lachenpa; Additional Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests Senthil Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Udai Gurung, IFS; Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) N. Jaswant; Divisional
Forest Officer (Wildlife-East) Sonam Norden Bhutia; members of TAAS,
Eco-Development Committees, departmental officials, and field staff.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">Situated
approximately 31 kilometres from Gangtok, the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary offers
one of the rare opportunities in the Himalayas where visitors can experience
pristine alpine wilderness within close proximity to an urban centre. The newly
opened trail provides nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, researchers, and
trekkers with an immersive experience through spectacular high-altitude
landscapes featuring vibrant rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, glacial
streams, and breathtaking mountain vistas, a press release informs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">Renowned
for its rich biodiversity, the sanctuary is home to a remarkable array of
alpine flora and fauna, including rare medicinal plants, high-altitude bird
species, and wildlife uniquely adapted to the harsh mountain environment. The
trail has been carefully developed to enable visitors to appreciate these
natural treasures while ensuring minimal ecological disturbance and encouraging
responsible tourism practices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">The
initiative forms part of the department’s broader vision of promoting
sustainable ecotourism that supports biodiversity conservation, environmental
education, and local livelihoods. Through guided interpretation and
nature-based experiences, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the
fragile Himalayan ecosystem and the importance of safeguarding it for future
generations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">As
part of the conservation programme, eco-bins were distributed to Defence
establishments located at Menla, Chipsu, and Nakchok under the jurisdiction of
the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">Addressing
the gathering, the Forest Minister urged Defence personnel to make effective
and consistent use of the eco-bins and support responsible waste management
practices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">He
emphasized that proper disposal of food waste would help mitigate the growing
issue of feral dogs in ecologically sensitive areas, thereby contributing
significantly to wildlife conservation efforts in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">Highlighting
the significance of the initiative, Lepcha stated that the Kyongnosla Alpine
Trail is not merely a trekking route but a gateway to connecting with nature,
experiencing the serenity of Sikkim’s alpine wilderness, and understanding the
ecological importance of one of the State’s most treasured protected areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">The
Forest & Environment department has invited visitors, nature lovers,
researchers, and conservation enthusiasts to explore the Kyongnosla Alpine
Trail and join in the shared responsibility of preserving Sikkim’s rich alpine
heritage for generations to come, the release mentions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
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