Documentary team (which includes me!) has been working hard these days, going about getting interviews and nice shots for visuals to accompany the interviews. We spent a whole day in Gangtok, and then interviewed some operators of white water rafting in Melli, Sikkim.
From what we heard, the water level has been getting lower, and flow is also slower now as some water from the river is diverted from the river to the dam. Tourist numbers are declining and rafting operators are protesting, but the dam looks like it’s here to stay. If business keeps getting worse, the operators really don’t know what they’ll do.
This led us to wonder about the situation in Yuksam. Currently, Yuksam still has most of its rustic charm (they tried to have a big hydroelectric project at Rathongchu, but it was terminated after much protest) but it’s really sobering to see how fragile the environment can be. Currently, more than 50% of the population in Yuksam is somehow involved in the tourism industry, so balancing tourism growth and conservation of the environment is really crucial to the people’s livelihood. As a small town, Yuksam cannot support mass tourism without frantic construction or bringing large numbers of immigrants from the plains of India, and the locals know this well as they to keep the tourism on an eco-friendly scale. Although short term gains are less due to the low volume of visitors, at least it can be kept sustainable, and the beautiful scenery will still be around for generations later to enjoy.
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- Landslide
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- Tunnel Construction in the Mountains
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- White Water Rafting at Melli
Jason, a backpacker we just met from Australia, told us that he really loves Yuksam despite some inconveniences such as inconsistent electricity and lack of hot showers. Granted, some tourists would like to have a more pampering experience and the driving would be safer if the roads were better, but what makes Yuksam special is the beautiful scenery and kind people. Other comforts are secondary to those who really seek a holiday from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even to the locals of Sikkim, Yuksam is like an “altar” to the gods of nature and holds a special place in their hearts.
Development and better amenities would make life easier for everyone, but as even the tourists would agree, not at the expense of the wealth nature has bestowed Yuksam.
– Feiya
