In Sikkim, Chief Minister PS Tamang laid the foundation stone for two major projects as part of his ongoing Janta Bhet Karyakram in Mangan district today. These are the Maitreya Buddha cum Cultural Complex in Lachen and the installation of the Guru Rinpoche statue and Cultural Complex in Lachung.

Addressing media persons today after laying the foundation for CHO-LUNG-TRUL-SUM with an estimated investment of 80.84 crore rupees, Mr. Tamang said that through these projects in Lachen and Lachung, the State government is making a sincere effort to harmonise the rich culture and tradition of Lachenpas and Lachungpas with the natural beauty of these places. He said, this will elevate tourism in Lachen and Lachung, attracting more global visitors. Applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming remote border villages into vibrant villages, the Chief Minister said that Lachen and Lachung will benefit significantly from this initiative. Mr Tamang said, the upcoming projects, coupled with the Vibrant Villages Programme of the Central government, will contribute significantly to the long-term development of the border region.

To preserve the tradition of yak herding, which faces the threat of extinction due to herders migrating to urban areas, the Chief Minister announced the annual Yak Festival in Lachen or Lachung.