The tourism and civil aviation department of Sikkim has decided to intensify vigil to stop the entry of vehicles and tourists without required permits to restricted places in the state.

“There are reports of unauthorised entry of tourists and vehicles to locations like Nathu-la, which is a threat to national security. So, an advisory was issued yesterday (on Thursday), reminding tourists that they must obtain permits before the visit,” said a source in the department.

Nathu-la, a popular tourist destination in the Gangtok district of Sikkim, sits on the India-China border.

“According to the practice, tourists approach registered travel agencies and taxi operators for permits. They will in turn obtain the permits from the tourism department, the sole authority for the purpose,” the source said.

In Sikkim, there has been a steady surge in the footfall of tourists during the ongoing winter season. The Himalayan state had to face losses in the tourism sector during the Durga Puja and Divali holidays because of the flash flood in the Teesta on October 4.

After the disaster, the Sikkim government, along with some agencies, had taken up relief and rescue works. Barring some places in north Sikkim, all other destinations in the state are open for tourists.

“However, as NH10, the principal highway that connects the state with the rest of the country, was closed because of the damage it suffered in the flash flood, tourists were feeling discouraged to visit Sikkim as they had to take turnaround routes. After NH10 has reopened, there is a steady footfall of tourists at this time of the year,” said a tour operator in Gangtok.

With the rush increasing every day and many popular locations like the Tsomgo Lake and Nathu-la experiencing footfall, the tourism department has decided to monitor the movement of tourists to these border areas.

Every day, hundreds of vehicles go to the Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir and a section of them gets permits to visit Nathu-la also. “We will conduct surprise checks to prevent the illegal entry of tourists. Anybody found travelling without permits will face legal consequences. We want tourists to check the permits issued to the agencies before they start trips,” said an official.