Purbalee Dutta

Cancer cases in Sikkim are rising at a concerning pace, prompting strong action from the state government. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Department of Science and Technology have been working together to address the issue. A detailed analysis of decade-long cancer data revealed distinct trends in cancer types, ethnicity, and geographic patterns. This data was shared with the Department of Health Research and Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, along with a request for targeted interventions. In response, an expert consultation on cancer prevention and control in Sikkim…

NH-10, the vital highway connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong to the plains, was shut down on Tuesday morning after the Teesta River overflowed onto the road following heavy overnight rainfall in North Sikkim. A similar situation affected the route to Darjeeling. The river’s water level began to recede around noon, allowing the highway to reopen, but a massive traffic jam ensued, with vehicles stuck for hours. Locals reported flooding in areas like Rabi Jhora, 29th Mile, and near the Teesta Bridge at Teesta Bazar, cutting off access between Kalimpong, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. Authorities had issued alerts in Melli, Teesta Bazar, and…

Tragically, on Friday night, a young guy and his seven-month-old daughter apparently leaped into the Rangit River from the Gamon Bridge near Legship Bazaar. The man is from Jaigaon, West Bengal, and was living with his wife at his in-laws' house in Legship, according to sources. Following the receipt of information, Geyzing police and Legship locals began a search that lasted into the evening. However, the flooded river and diminishing light made the task difficult. The search may be momentarily halted and recommenced on Saturday morning, according to authorities. Citing the river's powerful current and rising water levels as a…

A day after the Central Government declared that Sikkim has achieved 100% mobile network coverage across its 68 border villages, tourists and local drivers have raised concerns about persistent network issues in high-altitude tourist spots such as Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and Baba Mandir. In a written statement to Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba on July 23, the Union Ministry of Communications announced that 11 mobile towers had been installed under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme, covering all border villages. Sikkim and Assam were noted as the only Northeastern states to reach this milestone. However, on-ground experiences tell…