The proposed development of Pakyong airport in Sikkim is also not without problems. This would be a high-altitude commercial (with additions for military use) airport which, in theory, would greatly improve the accessibility of the area. Certainly there is general local (but not from the all the people in direct vicinity to the development) enthusiasm for the project. I am uncertain whether it would really bring in the envisioned masses of older and richer tourists (these, one must also say, are not without attendant problems in other parts of the globe). It might well change the nature of the 'Sikkim experience'. The project has involved the construction of 200 foot high retaining walls (said to be already showing signs of bulging at half the proposed height) and pile-driver induced damage to residential and commercial properties in the near vicinity). One must also note that this is an earthquake zone. Currently, the development is delayed by legal challenges and strike action by workers (who appear to want 'danger money').
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