Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday, 16 May visited the Orchidarium in Gangtok, Sikkim's capital, as part of his three-day tour of the Himalayan state, praising the state government's commitment to tourism promotion and biodiversity conservation. Scindia is in Sikkim to participate in the state's 50th Statehood Day golden jubilee celebrations.

A Landmark Attraction After Modi's Visit

Gangtok Municipal Corporation Commissioner Gary Chopel briefed the media during the Orchidarium visit, highlighting a dramatic surge in the site's popularity. According to officials, tourist footfall at the Orchidarium has risen by more than 300 per cent since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the attraction earlier this month and highlighted it during his engagements in the state. The site has since become a prominent draw for both tourists and visiting dignitaries.

Scindia described the Orchidarium as 'amazing' and said it reflected Sikkim's dedication to ecological conservation and sustainable tourism. The minister credited the state government for showcasing the region's rich floral diversity and natural heritage.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations

Scindia is attending the 50th Statehood Day festivities alongside Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is also on an official visit to Sikkim. The golden jubilee marks five decades since Sikkim formally became India's 22nd state on 16 May 1975, and the occasion has drawn senior central government figures to the Himalayan state.

Earlier Engagements in Namchi

On Friday, Scindia visited Namchi district, where he participated in tea leaf plucking at the iconic Temi Tea Garden in Tarku — one of Sikkim's most celebrated agricultural landmarks. He also attended the semi-final match of the Sikkim Premier League football tournament as chief guest at Bhaichung Stadium.

During the Namchi visit, the minister reviewed several ongoing infrastructure and development projects being implemented under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) across Sikkim. The review covered schemes in Namchi and other parts of the state.

Significance for the Northeast

Scindia's visit is being viewed as significant for Sikkim, with expectations running high for enhanced central support in infrastructure expansion, tourism promotion, and broader development initiatives. This comes amid a sustained policy push by the Centre to accelerate growth across the northeastern states, with DoNER investments increasingly targeting connectivity, eco-tourism, and local livelihoods.

Notably, Sikkim's tourism sector has been on a strong upward trajectory, and the Orchidarium's viral moment following the Prime Minister's visit underscores how high-profile endorsements can rapidly reshape visitor patterns in the region. Whether this momentum translates into sustained infrastructure investment will be closely watched in the months ahead.