Sikkim - The Purbottar

19 Jun

Sikkim begins sustainable tourism drive with ₹50 entry fee

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s newly introduced Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) aimed at promoting responsible tourism and protecting its fragile Himalayan environment has collected over ₹40,000 since its rollout in March, state tourism officials said on Wednesday. As per the notification issued on March 5, 2025, tourists visiting Sikkim are required to pay an entry fee of ₹50, which will be used to develop tourism infrastructure and ensure environmental conservation. However, the response has been modest so far. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, acknowledged that only 28 to 30 hotels have begun collecting the fee. “This is…

18 Jun

MI-172 fails to take off in Sikkim, new aircraft coming soon

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has decided to phase out its 23-seater MI-172 helicopter and replace it with a smaller 10-seater aircraft, citing poor passenger response, high operational costs, and limited helipad access as key reasons behind the move. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, confirmed the decision, noting that the large helicopter, introduced in March 2024, failed to attract the expected number of passengers even on the busy Gangtok–Bagdogra route. “We often had only 11 or 12 passengers, sometimes as low as 5 on return trips. It was not sustainable,” Rao said. Despite being promoted…

17 Jun

Sikkim University student Sunaina Subba dies after fall at hidden falls

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sunaina Subba, a student of Sikkim University, died after accidentally slipping into a gorge at Hidden Falls, near Majuwa village in Yangang, on Sunday. Sunaina, a resident of Timburbong, Soreng, was studying in the Limboo Department of the university. The accident occurred while she was visiting the popular natural site, known for its scenic beauty but also rugged terrain. Following the mishap, a rescue team comprising the Yangang Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was immediately mobilised. Despite their swift response, Sunaina was found lifeless and her body was recovered from the gorge. Her body was taken to…

16 Jun

Sikkim holds sacred puja after climb on holy mount Khangchendzonga

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Indigenous communities in Sikkim held a sacred purification ritual following a recent expedition to Mount Khangchendzonga—an act they view as a violation of their most sacred guardian deity. The emergency puja, conducted on June 15, was led by the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), the Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (SILTA), and concerned citizens across the state.The ritual, rooted in 8th-century Buddhist beliefs, sought forgiveness from the divine protectors of Sikkim for what the communities described as a spiritual desecration of Mount Khangchendzonga. Revered not as a mere mountain but as a “Ghajin” deity, Khangchendzonga holds immense religious and…

14 Jun

Pakistani climber upsets Sikkim’s religious beliefs

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has raised serious concerns over the ascent of Mount Khangchendzonga by Pakistani climber Naila Kiani, calling it a violation of the sacred mountain and a potential threat to national security. Speaking to the media, SIBLAC General Secretary Sangay Gyatso Bhutia described the May 23 summit as “deeply disrespectful” to the religious sentiments of the indigenous people of Sikkim. “Khangchendzonga is our guardian deity. It is not just a peak — it is sacred. Traditionally, climbers avoid stepping on the actual summit out of respect. This act has hurt our beliefs,” Bhutia said. He…

13 Jun

Sikkim CM pays tribute to air crash victims

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophic Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad that claimed at least 204 lives, leaving the nation in mourning. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was headed for London with 242 people onboard, including passengers and crew, when it crashed shortly after takeoff. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic crash... We stand united in grief and solidarity,” CM Tamang stated, offering condolences to the families of the victims and lauding emergency personnel working at the scene. Miraculously, one passenger, Ramesh Vishwakarma, survived. Seated at 11A, he reportedly jumped…

12 Jun

Chewang’s success in GATE 2025 brings pride to Lachung and Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a proud moment for North Sikkim, Chewang Laden Lachungpa (Khyoungbarpa), a resident of the remote high-altitude village of Lachung, has successfully cracked the prestigious GATE 2025 examination in Civil Engineering.Chewang, daughter of Kassang Chewang Khyoungbarpa, is an alumnus of Tashi Namgyal Academy, Gangtok, and completed her engineering degree from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT). Her achievement has brought immense pride not only to her family and village but to the entire state. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of India’s toughest and most competitive exams, opening doors for postgraduate engineering courses and top positions in…

10 Jun

Air India names Boeing 777 ‘Sikkim’ to mark 50th statehood day

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Air India has honoured Sikkim by naming one of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft ‘Sikkim’. The move by India’s national carrier is being hailed as a celebration of diversity and unity, especially as it coincides with the 50th Statehood Day of Sikkim. The newly christened aircraft, emblazoned with the name ‘Sikkim’ in bold letters near its nose, is not just a mode of transport; it is a flying tribute to the spirit of the Indian Union. For the people of Sikkim, this act has stirred deep emotions, as their small but vibrant state finds a place of honor in the skies…

10 Jun

Air India marks the 50th anniversary of statehood by naming the Boeing 777 “Sikkim”

Banasree SarkarSikkim

In recognition to Sikkim, Air India named one of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft "Sikkim." Given that it falls on Sikkim's 50th Statehood Day, the action by India's national airline is being praised as a celebration of diversity and solidarity. Not only is the recently christened aircraft a means of transportation, but it is also a flying homage to the spirit of the Indian Union, with the name "Sikkim" displayed in bold lettering near its nose. As their tiny but dynamic state gains a place of honor in the skies and in the hearts of millions, the people of Sikkim are…

07 Jun

IAF provides vital aid by airlifting 44 people from Chaten, North Sikkim, which devastated by landslide

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 6 launched a vital aerial relief and evacuation operation in North Sikkim, airlifting 44 stranded individuals from the landslide-affected area of Chaten and delivering over a tonne of essential supplies. Using an MI-17 helicopter, the IAF carried out sorties from Pakyong Greenfield Airport, transporting 1,300 kg of relief materials and five officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department to the cut-off region. Among the evacuees were 17 local residents. Officials confirmed that the aerial mission also supports the rotation and redeployment of army personnel, aiding on-ground operations amid ongoing disruptions caused by…