Gangtok, Dec. 22: The state government has decided to develop two sanctuaries under the state forest department.

Rs 22.06 lakh has been sanctioned by the Cabinet to develop the rhododendron sanctuary at Shingba in north Sikkim and Rs 20.96 lakh will be used for a wildlife sanctuary at Fambonglho under the east and north wildlife division of the forest department.

The Shingba sanctuary will be the only other rhododendron sanctuary apart from the one at Varsey in west Sikkim, which is a top draw for tourists.

Rhododendron is the state tree of Sikkim and the state boasts of one of the largest variety of these trees in the world.

The Fambonglho wildlife sanctuary falls beyond Pangthang some 12 kilometres above Gangtok.