Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

15 Jan

Rani Chapori to get solar power and land rights in new development initiative

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a comprehensive development plan for Rani Chapori in Dharapur, focusing on erosion control, solar power implementation, and land rights for residents. Addressing the community's concerns, the Chief Minister assured swift action to curb erosion, a persistent issue affecting the region. “The government is committed to addressing erosion challenges and ensuring long-term solutions,” Sarma stated. To enhance energy infrastructure, the government plans to install solar power solutions within 30-40 days, offering residents a sustainable energy source.A survey is also underway to facilitate the distribution of land deeds, a move aimed at securing land…

14 Jan

SKM defends Sikkim’s cultural initiatives against CAP’s attacks

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has strongly condemned the Citizen Action Party's (CAP) allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The ruling party, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, accused CAP of attempting to regain relevance by repeating old charges despite securing only 6% of the votes in the last election. In a statement, SKM dismissed CAP’s efforts to challenge the government's initiatives, urging the opposition party to focus on the state’s welfare instead of undermining progress. “CAP should focus on the welfare of the state instead of trying to tear down the progress we have made,” the SKM…

14 Jan

Assam CM urges students to adapt to AI, robotics, and quantum physics

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed his firm belief that the youth of the state will play a pivotal role in shaping its future, particularly by embracing new technologies and innovation. Speaking at a gathering where he felicitated 1,517 meritorious students from his Jalukbari constituency, Sarma highlighted the government's focus on empowering the younger generation with the skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving global landscape. Sarma emphasized the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements, urging students to stay relevant by adapting to fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, 3D printing, augmented reality, and quantum physics.…

13 Jan

Centre approves oil drilling in Assam’s Hoollongapar Sanctuary

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Centre's wildlife panel has approved oil and gas exploratory drilling within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam’s Jorhat district. The approval was granted during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, on December 21. The project, proposed by Vedanta Group's Cairn Oil & Gas, had earlier received a recommendation from Assam’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden in August 2024. The Forest Advisory Committee of the Union Environment Ministry also granted in-principle approval during its…

13 Jan

Sikkim CM unveils plans for Ed Sheeran concert to boost state’s tourism

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced plans to host international pop icon Ed Sheeran for a concert on the state’s 50th Statehood Day, ensuring that the event will be funded entirely through ticket sales and sponsorships, without using government funds. Speaking at the Namprikdang Namsoong Festival in Upper Dzongu on January 12, the Chief Minister emphasized the concert’s potential to boost tourism. “People from across the country will visit Sikkim, stay in our hotels and homestays, and explore our unique culture, significantly benefiting our tourism industry,” he said. Tamang urged the public to avoid politicizing the event, focusing instead…

11 Jan

Second victim recovered in Umrangso mine tragedy, rescue efforts ongoing

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Rescue teams at the Umrangso coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district recovered a second body on Friday, raising the death toll in the ongoing tragedy to two. Efforts to locate the remaining seven miners, trapped since January 6, continue amidst challenging conditions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the recovery on his official X handle, expressing condolences to the bereaved families. “Rescue efforts in Umrangso continue with unwavering resolve. Tragically, another body was recovered this morning, with the identity yet to be confirmed. Our hearts go out to the grieving, as we hold onto hope and strength in…

11 Jan

Sikkim CM thanks central government for ₹671.35 crore tax devolution

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the release of ₹671.35 crore as part of the Union government’s tax devolution for January 2025. “This timely support will accelerate Sikkim’s economic development, enhance social welfare initiatives, and advance critical infrastructure projects,” Tamang said, acknowledging the central government’s commitment to aiding smaller states. The allocation is part of the Union government’s monthly tax devolution, which distributes the net proceeds of union taxes to states. For January, the total devolution across India amounts to a substantial financial boost, with Uttar…

10 Jan

Sikkim Government urges public to take HMPV precautions

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Government has issued a health advisory on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) amid reports of a surge in severe respiratory illness cases in China linked to the virus. A high-level meeting, chaired by the Chief Secretary on January 7, reviewed the state's preparedness and potential risks. HMPV, first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, typically causes mild respiratory issues but poses severe risks to vulnerable individuals, including those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through close contact, coughing, sneezing, or contaminated surfaces, with symptoms ranging from cough and fever to shortness of breath. Health authorities have urged citizens to…

10 Jan

No restrictions on pork sale in Guwahati, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma clarifies

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 9 assured that there are no restrictions on the sale or slaughter of pork in Guwahati, apart from maintaining hygiene and sanitary standards. The clarification comes amid concerns over a recent directive by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). Addressing the issue, Sarma stated that any circular imposing restrictions on pig slaughter, if issued, would be promptly withdrawn. Highlighting the cultural and culinary significance of pork, particularly for Assam’s tribal and local communities, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving traditions. “Pork is a cherished delicacy for our tribal population and…

10 Jan

Opposition parties unite for judicial inquiry into deadly Umrangso mine flood

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The tragic incident at an illegal coal mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties blaming the Assam government for "utter negligence" and demanding a high-level judicial probe. The mine, which was operating in defiance of a ban on rat-hole mining, flooded on Monday, trapping several workers. Rescue operations, involving state and central agencies, entered their fourth day on Thursday, with the body of one miner recovered and eight others still missing. The mishap occurred at the 3-Kilo Coal Quarry, approximately 250 km from Guwahati, when a sudden water surge inundated the site. Assam…