Sikkim - The Purbottar

23 Feb

Indian Army rescues stranded tourists in East Sikkim under Operation Himrahat

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In response to heavy snowfall in East Sikkim's high-altitude areas, the Indian Army launched Operation Himrahat on Sunday, dedicated to rescuing stranded locals and tourists affected by extreme weather. The sudden and intense snowfall, coupled with sub-zero temperatures, resulted in numerous tourist vehicles getting stranded on perilous road sections, endangering the safety of civilians. Demonstrating operational readiness, Army troops quickly mobilized to the impacted regions to begin relief and rescue operations. The operation successfully rescued 46 tourists, who were then transported to the nearest Army camp. There, they received immediate medical evaluations, warm shelter, hot meals, heating arrangements, and essential…

21 Feb

Unity and Tradition Shine as Community Marks Gyalpo Losar in Lachung

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Lachung Dzomsa began a grand three-day cultural programme to celebrate Losar, also known as Gyalpo Losar, the Tibetan New Year, at Lachung Thomchi Ground. The festival has brought together local residents, artists and dignitaries in a show of unity and cultural pride. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Minister for Forest and Environment, Mines and Geology, and Science and Technology Departments, Mr Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme began with a formal reception of the Chief Guest. This was followed by a welcome address and a welcome song presented by the Lachung Young…

21 Feb

Enforcement Drive Across Gangtok, Singtam and Nayabazar Jorethang Nets Fines of Rs 2,500 for SUP Violations

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) Sikkim, along with officials from Urban Local Bodies and personnel of the Sikkim Police, carried out a joint inspection drive on February 19 to enforce the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) across municipal areas of the state.The inspection was conducted under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The team visited local markets and commercial establishments to check whether banned plastic items were being stored, sold or used. During the drive, officials also spoke to shopkeepers, vendors and members of the public and explained the harmful impact of single-use plastics.According to the SPCB, the banned…

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…