Sikkim - The Purbottar

13 Apr

Stranded Vehicles Evacuated from Lachen via Dongkya La Pass

nanika EditorSikkim

In a significant breakthrough for rescue operations in North Sikkim, over 100 drivers who were stranded for over a week have finally been brought to safety. Following a massive road breach that cut off key transit points, a multi-agency effort successfully navigated treacherous terrain to evacuate the remaining motorists and their vehicles. A major evacuation operation in North Sikkim concluded successfully this Sunday, bringing much-needed relief to 114 drivers who had been stranded in Lachen since April 5. The motorists became trapped after a critical section of the road at Taram Chu, located along the Chungthang–Lachen axis, was severely damaged…

12 Apr

First Border Village Community Radio Station Launched in Sikkim

riya EditorSikkim

The Indian Army has established 88.4 FM Radio Sikkim Sundari, Sikkim’s first border village community radio station in East Sikkim, to improve communication and information access in remote high-altitude border areas. Dedicated to the citizens of India in Sikkim, the station addresses challenges of geographic isolation, harsh weather, and limited mobile and internet connectivity.It aims to bridge the information gap by providing reliable and timely communication. The radio station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information on government schemes, while also promoting regional culture and addressing community issues. The community radio station will provide an opportunity for local youth…

11 Apr

ADGBR (EAST) Reviews Restoration Efforts In Landslide-Hit North Sikkim

Paromita EditorSikkim

In a strong demonstration of leadership and commitment, Additional Director General Border Roads (East), Shri Jitendra Prasad, VSM, visited the landslide-affected area at Taramchu in North Sikkim, one of the most challenging and fragile terrains in the region.Amidst difficult conditions where road connectivity serves as a critical lifeline, Shri Jitendra Prasad personally assessed the ground situation and interacted with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel deployed at site. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the troops, he reviewed the ongoing restoration efforts and issued clear directions for expediting fresh works to ensure early reopening of the route.During the visit, the ADGBR (East)…

11 Apr

Gangtok Faces Severe Water Crisis Across Multiple Localities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Several areas of Gangtok are facing a serious water shortage, with residents reporting major disruption in daily life due to irregular and insufficient supply.Localities such as Dara Gaon, Tadong and 6th Mile, along with nearby areas, have been among the worst affected. Residents said the water distribution system has failed in recent days, forcing many families to struggle for basic drinking water.The shortage has also affected students and small business owners. With academic schedules underway, many students are finding it difficult to manage studies without access to clean water. Locals said the situation has added to stress and inconvenience, especially…

11 Apr

Ablaze 2026 Grand Finale Held at Nar Bahadur Bhandari College, Gangtok

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The grand finale of Ablaze 2026 was held with much enthusiasm at the auditorium of Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College in Gangtok, bringing together students, teachers and guests for a full day of cultural programmes and competitions.Justice A.P. Subba, Chairperson of Lokayukta, Sikkim, attended the event as the chief guest, while Arjun Kumar Ghatani, Advisor to the AYUSH Department, Government of Sikkim, was the guest of honour. The programme began with the arrival of dignitaries, followed by the national anthem and a welcome address by Vice Chancellor Jagannath Patnaik of ICFAI University Sikkim. The formal session included felicitation of guests,…

10 Apr

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam amendment process advances; government moves closer to 33% women representation rollout

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Indra Hang Subba, Member of Parliament from Sikkim, has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of a draft amendment Bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies from 2029.According to reports, the Centre is preparing changes to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to make the long-awaited provision operational. The move is expected to ensure that one-third of seats are reserved for women starting from the 2029 general elections. To enable discussion and passage of the proposed amendments, the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament has been extended by three days, from April 16…

10 Apr

Indian Oil Corporation Limited coordination restores LPG supply; ministry doubles 5kg cylinder support for vulnerable groups

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has announced that the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been fully restored across the state, bringing relief to households after a recent disruption.In an official statement issued on April 9, the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department said that LPG availability has returned to 100 per cent of pre-crisis levels. The restoration ensures that consumers can now access cooking gas cylinders without difficulty in all districts.Earlier, supplies had dropped to around 80 per cent after Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) reduced distribution due to a nationwide shortage. The shortage was linked to disruptions in global…

09 Apr

Scholars Gather in Deorali to Celebrate Legacy of Himalayan Women and Alexandra David-Neel

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The inaugural ceremony of a two-day international symposium on “Great Women in the Himalayas” was held on Thursday at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Deorali, marking the beginning of discussions on the role and contributions of women in the Himalayan region. The symposium is being organised to commemorate the legacy of Alexandra David-Neel, known for her pioneering journeys across Tibet and the Himalayas, and her work in bringing Himalayan culture and spirituality to the wider world. Scholars, researchers and students from different regions have gathered for the event to share their research and perspectives. The discussions are focused on…

09 Apr

Army Rescues 135 Stranded Tourists in Lachen, Evacuation of 1,000 More Underway

riya EditorSikkim

Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has launched Operation ‘Him Setu’ to evacuate stranded tourists in Lachen, North Sikkim with 135 tourists safely evacuated, along with 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles, official sources said on Thursday morning. Evacuation is being conducted in phases. Approximately 1,000 tourists remain in Lachen, with sustained efforts underway to ensure their safe evacuation at the earliest. An Army official stated, “Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground.” The situation continues to be closely monitored.Army vehicles were employed for towing civilian…

09 Apr

Sikkim CM Calls on Sithamaraman;Discusses Key Developmental Priorities

riya EditorSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang called on Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Wednesday and discussed key developmental priorities of Sikkim, with emphasis on strengthening financial support, enhancing infrastructure, and accelerating sustainable growth in the State. Tamang expressed his gratitude to the finance minister for the inclusion of Part–X, “Pride of Hills: Special Development Assistance for the Hill States,” under SASCI 2026–27, along with the generous allocation earmarked therein. The Chief Minister also thanked Sitharaman for the recognition of the unique challenges faced by hill states and for the continued support extended…