Sikkim - The Purbottar

07 Oct

Community leaders gather to address tribal recognition

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A coordination meeting took place in Siliguri on October 6, uniting leaders and representatives from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and the Dooars. The gathering focused on the demand for tribal recognition for 12 communities in Sikkim and 11 communities in Darjeeling. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang emphasized the meeting's cultural rather than political nature, stating, “This is a constitutional issue. Today, we discussed various reports, including an infographic and survey report, and decided to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC). This committee will comprise five members each from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Dooars.” The newly established "Team for Tribal Status…

05 Oct

Sikkim CM honors Nar Bahadur Bhandari on his birth anniversary

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

On the birth anniversary of Late Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari, Sikkim's second Chief Minister, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang paid heartfelt tribute to the leader whose visionary contributions reshaped the state's trajectory. Born on October 5, 1940, Bhandari served as Chief Minister from 1979 to 1994, leaving an indelible mark on Sikkim's development. In a Facebook post, CM Tamang celebrated Bhandari's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people and his foresight that led to significant milestones, including the historic inclusion of the Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This landmark decision not only protected the…

04 Oct

Prem Singh Tamang expresses sympathy for flood victims’ families

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang paid tribute to the victims of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that occurred on October 4, expressing profound sympathy for the families who have lost loved ones and acknowledging the enduring impact on survivors. He conveyed the community's sorrow, stating, "Our thoughts remain with those who continue to bear the heavy burden of grief." In his address, Tamang also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government for their continued support during this challenging time. He commended the efforts of the Indian Army, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the National…

03 Oct

Key officials visit landslide affected villages in Soreng

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In response to the recent devastating landslides, the District Administration of Soreng, under the leadership of District Collector Mr. Dhiraj Subedi, carried out a joint inspection today of the major landslide-affected areas in Daramdin Constituency. The initiative aims to assess the damage and facilitate necessary interventions for the impacted communities. Accompanied by key officials, including Panchayat members and senior administrators such as Mr. P.K. Subba (SDM HQ), Mr. Sunny Kharel (SDM Soreng), Ms. Rajani Pega (DPO DDMA), and Mr. Bishnu Sharma (Senior AO), the team visited remote villages in the Ribdi-Bhareng area, which have been severely affected by continuous rainfall…

01 Oct

Key sections of NH-10 impassable due to road damage

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Continuous heavy rains from September 25 to 28 have caused significant damage to National Highway-10 (NH-10), disrupting traffic between Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling. In a notification, the West Bengal government highlighted severe road damage in several sections of NH-10, including Mamkhola, Melli, 28th Mile, Selfie Dara, and KaliJhora. Due to the unsafe condition of the road bench, heavy vehicles have been barred from using the highway. From October 1, 2024, traffic on NH-10 will be restricted to light vehicles and passenger vehicles, including mini buses, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. The district administration is preparing diversions to manage traffic…

01 Oct

Sikkim CM and BRO collaborate to tackle strategic challenges in the state

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang convened a high-level meeting with the Border Roads Organization (BRO) on September 30 at Mintokgang, focusing on critical strategic issues affecting the state. The primary agenda of the meeting was to devise immediate and sustainable solutions for vulnerable and landslide-prone areas, particularly in North Sikkim. The attendees agreed on the necessity of conducting joint inspections in critical regions to ensure a thorough assessment and develop an effective action plan. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Chief Minister Tamang emphasized the need for rapid joint inspections and swift execution of required measures. He voiced his…

30 Sep

First snowfall of the season hits Lachen and Lachung

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

North Sikkim has been hit by heavy snowfall, following three days of relentless rain that triggered multiple landslides across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days. In the past 24 hours alone, Sikkim has recorded 102 mm of rainfall, with Mangan, Soteng, and Gyalshing districts experiencing particularly heavy downpours. The sudden weather change has brought the season’s first snowfall to the high reaches of North Sikkim, especially in the Lachen and Lachung valleys, much earlier than usual. This unexpected snowfall, combined with landslides, has…

28 Sep

Sikkim takes steps toward enhanced tourism experience

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim celebrated World Tourism Day with the launch of its Tourism Department Management System at Paryatan Bhawan, a significant step towards bolstering the state's tourism infrastructure. The system, introduced by the United Silk Route Tourism Development Society (USRTDS), aims to enhance tourism management and promote sustainable practices under the theme "Tourism and Peace." The event was graced by Tourism Minister T.T. Bhutia, who served as the Chief Guest, alongside Sudesh Kumar Subba, Advisor to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, as the Guest of Honour. In his keynote address, Minister Bhutia underscored the vital role of tourism in Sikkim’s economy…

27 Sep

IMD warns of disruptions due to heavy rain

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is bracing for heavy rainfall as monsoon activity picks up across the region, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has forecast widespread rain and thundershowers in the coming days, warning of above-normal rainfall across most districts. In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD reported evolving synoptic conditions, including cyclonic circulations and troughs, which have been influencing the region since September 19. A new cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal and a trough extending from the Andhra Pradesh coast to southern Myanmar have contributed to Sikkim’s intensified rainfall. From September 19 to 25, districts like Mangan…

27 Sep

NH-10 impassable due to severe landslides

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

National Highway-10 (NH-10), the essential lifeline for Sikkim, has been rendered impassable due to multiple severe landslides, disrupting road connectivity since Wednesday. A significant landslide was reported at the 28th Mile, followed by another near Melli early this morning, halting transportation across the region. The Public Works Department (PWD) immediately initiated efforts to clear debris and restore traffic flow. On September 23, the Executive Engineer of National Highway Division No. IX confirmed that temporary restoration work at Sheti Jhora (NH Chainage 6.700 Km) and Selfie Dara (NH Chainage 8.000 Km) has been completed. Consequently, vehicular movement resumed at 3:30 PM…