Sikkim - The Purbottar

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…

06 Jun

According to Sikkim the health minister warns of 15 mild COVID-19 cases

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has recorded 15 active COVID-19 cases, all exhibiting mild symptoms, according to state Health Minister G.T. Dhungel. Addressing the public, the minister emphasized that there are no severe cases, and all infected individuals are currently in isolation to prevent community transmission. Dhungel noted that the rise in cases aligns with a broader national trend, with neighboring states also reporting increasing infections. “We urge citizens not to panic but to remain alert and follow health advisories,” he said. The minister reiterated the importance of preventive measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing. He stressed that complacency could lead…

05 Jun

For each newborn, Sikkim households plant 108 trees under “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” initiative

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a remarkable green initiative, 5,552 families across Sikkim have registered under the ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ campaign to plant 108 trees for every newborn, reinforcing a unique blend of environmental conservation and cultural tradition. Launched by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in February 2023, the initiative promotes tree plantation as a sacred duty associated with childbirth. The number 108, considered holy in Indian tradition, symbolizes blessings and life. With monsoon planting season underway, more than 5 lakh saplings are expected to be planted this year. According to the Forest and Environment Department, Namchi leads with 1,200 registrations, followed by…

04 Jun

Tourists advised to avoid Lachen, Lachung amid road closures

Banasree SarkarSikkim

Travel to popular tourist spots Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim has come to a halt following multiple landslides that hit key routes. The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim has issued an official advisory urging tourists to avoid travel to the northern region until further notice. In a statement released on June 3, the department confirmed that landslides have rendered several road sections impassable, leaving many visitors stranded in the affected areas. However, it clarified that other parts of Sikkim remain safe and accessible for tourists. Authorities have launched immediate restoration efforts and promised real-time updates to tourists…

03 Jun

Over 1,600 tourists evacuated as Sikkim declares disaster in Mangan

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Secretary R. Telang chaired a high-level review meeting on June 2 to assess the escalating disaster situation in Mangan district, where continuous rainfall and landslides have severely disrupted normal life. With roads blocked and essential services crippled, the administration is focused on restoring power, telecom, and transport links. Mangan District Magistrate Anant Jain briefed the chief secretary via video conference on rescue efforts and infrastructural damage. Over 1,678 stranded tourists from Lachung and Chungthang were evacuated on Monday, though more than 100 remain stranded in Lachen, according to DGP Akshay Sachdeva. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority has…

02 Jun

1,500 tourists to be evacuated as BRO rebuilds route to Lachung

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored vital road connectivity to Lachung in Sikkim’s Mangan district, paving the way for the evacuation of nearly 1,500 stranded tourists from Lachung and Lachen starting Monday, officials confirmed. Following heavy rains and a sudden cloudburst on May 30, extensive damage was inflicted across North Sikkim’s key tourist routes, including landslides, breaches, and damaged bridges. The affected roads—Lachung-Chungthang-Shipgyere-Sanklang-Dikchu and others—were left impassable, trapping hundreds of tourists. BRO teams cleared landslides, repaired damaged stretches, and restored one-way vehicular passage near the suspension bridge at Phidang, ensuring safe transit for rescue operations. Two bailey bridges on…

02 Jun

Landslide in North Sikkim’s Chatten claims three; search for more underway

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Three bodies have been recovered after a landslide struck Chatten in North Sikkim around 7 pm on June 1, causing damage to nearby habitats. The recovered bodies include some combatants. Authorities suspect more individuals may be missing. Identification of the deceased is currently underway, while search and rescue operations continue to locate the missing. This is a developing story. It will be updated.

30 May

CM Tamang thanks PM Modi for virtual address to Sikkim

Banasree SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual presence during a recent event, highlighting the encouragement and optimism it has sparked among the people of the state. Although the Prime Minister could not attend in person, his virtual address resonated deeply with the people of Sikkim. “His kind assurance of visiting Sikkim in the near future and extending his blessings has deeply touched us all,” said CM Tamang. The virtual interaction infused a renewed sense of pride and motivation within the community. In his remarks, the Chief Minister emphasized that PM Modi’s words went…

28 May

About 76,000 farmers would be empowered by Sikkim’s Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The "Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan," launched by Sikkim, aims to support more than 76,000 farmers throughout the state. This program aims to improve farming methods ahead of the Kharif season and is a part of a nationwide campaign led by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. With support from the ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VI, in cooperation with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other relevant departments, the campaign is planned for May 29–June 12, 2025. In Sikkim, which is hailed as India's first totally organic state, the campaign is especially meaningful. Its focus is on…