Sikkim - The Purbottar

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…

28 May

Sikkim calls for action after ‘violation’ of Khangchendzonga’s sanctity

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, voicing serious concern over a recent ascent of Mount Khangchendzonga by a team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), reportedly from the Nepal side. In his letter, CM Tamang termed the act a “violation of sacred traditions and legal protections,” underscoring that Mount Khangchendzonga is not just a mountain but a revered deity in Sikkimese culture. “The mountain is not just a peak—it is a living deity,” the chief minister wrote, reflecting the public outrage the incident has triggered. Tamang reminded…

27 May

Tourists are requested to leave Sikkim by 6 a.m. on May 29 in anticipation of PM Modi’s visit

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The government declared that visitors departing Sikkim on May 29 must depart by 6 am. The directive is intended to ensure smooth vehicle traffic in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit and was issued prior to his arrival. On that day, PM Modi would travel to the state to attend a celebration commemorating Sikkim's 50th anniversary of becoming a state. "As everyone is aware, the State of Sikkim commemorated its 50 illustrious years of independence on May 16, 2025. On May 29, 2025, the Hon. Prime Minister of India will grace the State with his visit on this important occasion,"…

26 May

BJP lauds Namchi cops for breaking local drug networks

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has commended the state police for their vigorous crackdown on the drug menace in Namchi district, lauding their relentless efforts in curbing substance abuse and dismantling local drug networks. In a statement, the party appreciated the police’s proactive role in enforcement, awareness campaigns, and community outreach, which it said have already begun yielding visible results in improving public safety. The BJP noted that these initiatives have not only disrupted drug peddling operations but also contributed to increased awareness about drug-related harms, particularly among the youth. “The dedication and resolve shown by…

24 May

Indigenous sentiments hurt as Sacred Peak in Sikkim climbed by army

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has sharply criticised the Indian Army’s recent expedition to Mount Khangchen Dzongna, a peak regarded as sacred by the indigenous Bhutia and Lepcha communities. The group said the climb violates long-standing religious sentiments and state directives that prohibit expeditions on the holy mountain. Mount Khangchen Dzongna is not only Sikkim’s highest peak but is considered a Guardian Deity by local communities. In recognition of its spiritual significance, the Sikkim government has imposed an official ban on climbing the mountain. SIBLAC expressed deep anguish over the army’s actions and called for accountability from the…