Sikkim - The Purbottar

20 Feb

Light Rain, Snow Likely in Mangan; No Weather Warning Issued

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Meteorological Centre in Gangtok has released its weekly weather update along with a two-week forecast for Sikkim. The department said that most parts of the state will experience largely dry weather conditions in the coming days. However, light rainfall and snowfall are expected in isolated areas of Mangan district. Officials said that a cyclonic circulation formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal on February 13 and 14. The system extended up to 1.5 km above mean sea level before weakening on February 15. The weekly review also examined surface data, upper air charts and satellite observations recorded on February…

20 Feb

Swift Action by Indian Army, Officials Brings Mangshila Blaze Under Control

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Strong coordination between the Indian Army and the district administration helped control a major forest fire in Mangshila area of Mangan district on February 19 and 20, 2026. According to official information, news about the fire reached the authorities on February 19. Soon after receiving the report, the civil administration sought help from the Army. Responding to the request, soldiers from the Army headquarters in Gangtok moved quickly to the affected area. Several teams, including drone units led by Army officers, were sent in multiple vehicles to assess the situation. The drones were used to observe the spread of the…

19 Feb

Government Primary School Taksang Kaizaley Head Honoured with Rashtriya Navachari Shiksha Ratna Samman for Reviving Rural Education

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Dharni Prasad Neopaney Sharma, Headmaster of Government Primary School, Taksang Kaizaley in Sikkim, has been conferred with two national awards recognising his contributions to social service and educational innovation. Sharma received the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 from the Veyil Foundation for his humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when access to medical services was severely disrupted, he provided free vehicle services to patients, helping them reach hospitals and essential care facilities. His support extended beyond Sikkim to Delhi, assisting individuals facing hardship during the crisis. He was also honoured with the Rashtriya Navachari Shiksha Ratna Samman 2025–26…

19 Feb

Kikam Bhutia Appointed Head Coach of North East Zone Women’s Team Ahead of Inter-Zonal One Day Trophy

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The North East Zonal Selection Committee met in Guwahati on February 13 to finalise the 15-member North East Zone squad for the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal One Day Trophy, beginning March 5, 2026.Selectors from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim attended the meeting, along with executive members of the six state associations. Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) was represented by President Tika Subba and Honorary Secretary Nayan Tshering Bhutia. From Sikkim, Miss Primula Chettri (all-rounder) and Miss Preetika Chettri (batter) earned selection based on their performances this season. Primula impressed with both bat and ball in the recently concluded Senior…

18 Feb

Sikkim CM Expresses Condolences to 14th Dalai Lama Over Demise of Brother Ngari Rinpoche

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Venerable Ngari Rinpoche, the younger brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, describing the loss as a moment of grief for the spiritual community and followers across the world. In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said he was deeply saddened to learn about the demise of the revered spiritual figure and extended his heartfelt condolences to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the bereaved family members and followers mourning the loss.Tamang said Venerable Ngari Rinpoche was widely respected for his spiritual guidance…

18 Feb

BJP Delegation Led by DR Thapa Alleges Pipeline Lapses Behind Gangtok Drinking Water Crisis

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A delegation of the Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by state president DR Thapa, carried out an on-ground inspection of the Ratey-Chu drinking water source, the main supply system that provides water to Gangtok. The visit highlighted serious concerns over the condition of the pipeline network and the growing drinking water shortage in the state capital. According to the BJP delegation, the inspection revealed several leakage points along the pipeline route, including three to four major breaches. Party leaders claimed that due to these leaks, nearly 40 per cent of the water diverted from the source…

17 Feb

Historic Skull Base Surgery Marks New Era in Sikkim’s Government Healthcare

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a major medical milestone for Sikkim, Namchi District Hospital has successfully performed the state’s first-ever endoscopic skull base surgery, marking an important step forward in the availability of advanced medical care within the region. The successful procedure demonstrates the growing capability of government hospitals in Sikkim to handle complex and specialized surgeries locally, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for treatment. The surgery was carried out on a patient diagnosed with Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, a serious medical condition in which cerebrospinal fluid leaks from the skull through the nose. Doctors explained that the condition…

17 Feb

Minister Urges Confidence and Calm as Sikkim Board Examinations Commence

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

As thousands of students across Sikkim begin their board examinations, the State’s Minister for Education, Sports & Youth Affairs and Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Raju Basnet, has conveyed his warm wishes and encouragement to all candidates appearing for the important tests this year. In a message issued on Tuesday, the Minister called upon students to face the examinations with confidence, calmness, and a positive attitude, reminding them that steady preparation and self-belief are the keys to success. Basnet said that board examinations are an important stage in every student’s academic life, but they should not be seen as a reason…

16 Feb

Indra Hang Subba Applauds Rural Tourism and Orange Promotion Drive

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Shyari Constituency witnessed a vibrant celebration of rural culture and agriculture as the first Orange-cum-Village Festival 2026 was organized at Nimthang village. The festival, hosted by the United Young Youth Nimthang of Shyari Constituency, marked an important step toward promoting local traditions, strengthening village tourism, and supporting farmers engaged in orange cultivation. The inaugural event brought together villagers, farmers, youth groups, local leaders, and visitors from nearby areas, creating an atmosphere of community participation and cultural pride. The festival aimed not only to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage but also to highlight the economic importance of orange farming,…

16 Feb

The Family I Chose Set for Full Shoot in Gangtok After Encouraging Mumbai Meeting

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Indian cinema icon Amitabh Bachchan recently met the creative team behind the upcoming feature film The Family I Chose, a project that will be filmed entirely in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The meeting took place in Mumbai on Sunday and is being seen as an encouraging moment for the filmmakers as they prepare to begin production later this year.The film’s writer, director, and producer Kankana Chakraborty, accompanied by Anita Rai, met the veteran actor following a personal invitation extended by him. The interaction, though brief, turned into a meaningful exchange where the legendary actor expressed genuine interest in…