Sikkim

Key officials visit landslide affected villages in Soreng

Key officials visit landslide affected villages in Soreng

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…
Read More
Key sections of NH-10 impassable due to road damage

Key sections of NH-10 impassable due to road damage

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

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

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…
Read More
First snowfall of the season hits Lachen and Lachung

First snowfall of the season hits Lachen and Lachung

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…
Read More
Sikkim takes steps toward enhanced tourism experience

Sikkim takes steps toward enhanced tourism experience

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…
Read More
IMD warns of disruptions due to heavy rain

IMD warns of disruptions due to heavy rain

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…
Read More
NH-10 impassable due to severe landslides

NH-10 impassable due to severe landslides

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…
Read More
GATC set to rock Finland, Netherlands, and Italy

GATC set to rock Finland, Netherlands, and Italy

Sikkim-based rock band Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) have announced their highly anticipated European tour, set to kick off on October 25, 2024, in Trollhättan, Sweden. Known for their electrifying performances, the band will tour several countries, marking their debut in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Italy. Key tour dates include: October 25, 2024 – Trollhättan, Sweden (Backstage Rockbar)October 30, 2024 – Helsinki, Finland (On the Rocks)November 1-2, 2024 – Dortmund and Frankfurt, GermanyNovember 6, 2024 – Weert, Netherlands (Poppodium de Bosuil)November 8, 2024 – UrRock Festival, SwitzerlandNovember 10, 2024 – Paderno, Italy (Slaughter Club)After a brief return to India…
Read More
“Shoot me if I can’t speak about cows,” says Swami Avimukteshwaranand

“Shoot me if I can’t speak about cows,” says Swami Avimukteshwaranand

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, currently on his spiritual tour as part of the "Gaudhwaj Sthapna Bharat Yatra," expressed his discontent over being barred from entering Nagaland by the state government. The spiritual leader, known for advocating cow protection, voiced his concerns during a public address in Sikkim, emphasizing the importance of cows in Indian tradition and Sanatan Dharma. Swami Avimukteshwaranand questioned the decision, saying, "I have not spoken ill of anyone. All I seek is the chance to share my message with the people. Why should I be stopped?" He appealed to the Chief Ministers of Northeastern states to allow his…
Read More
Advanced drone technology to be showcased in Sikkim

Advanced drone technology to be showcased in Sikkim

The Trishakti Dron-A-Thon 2024, a premier drone technology exhibition, will be held at the Sikkim Field Firing Range, East Sikkim, from October 1 to 3. The event promises to highlight the latest innovations in drone technology, attracting professionals and enthusiasts from across the nation. The exhibition will feature live demonstrations of advanced drone capabilities, including kamikaze drones, search and rescue operations, logistics management, tethered drones, ISR (night-enabled) drones, and swarm drones. Attendees will also witness cutting-edge technologies in electronic and communication drones, along with First Person View drones. The three-day event aims to propel India’s drone industry forward by fostering…
Read More