Sikkim - The Purbottar

04 Nov

Sikkim plans to launch a fair-weather road to the north in two weeks despite connection problems

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has announced plans to establish a fair-weather alternative road to north Sikkim within the next two weeks as the state grapples with road disruptions caused by the devastating glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) of October 2023. N.B. Dahal, Sikkim’s Minister for Roads and Bridges, emphasized that the new road is crucial for enhancing connectivity to the border areas, especially for security purposes. “Establishing robust connectivity to the border is a priority, given the security concerns and the challenges faced by local residents,” Dahal said, adding that the government is working closely with the Indian Army and the…

04 Nov

Sikkim’s Minister announced key infrastructure upgrades in Rabongla

Banasree SarkarSikkimPrem Singh Tamang

On November 4, N.B. Dahal, the Minister of Roads and Bridges of Sikkim, announced significant infrastructural improvements in Rabongla, the state's tourism hotspot. BiPaSa (Bijuli, Pani, Sadak), the initiative of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, served as the inspiration for the announcement. To determine the immediate needs of the area, Dahal inspected the place. He was joined by Assistant Engineer Kinga Chopel Bhutia from the Rabongla PWD and Barfung MLA Riksal Dorjee Bhutia. Citing the significance of smoother, safer roads in promoting tourist and local convenience, the minister ordered the commencement of necessary carpeting work on the heavily used Damthang…

31 Oct

Sombaria Police arrest HRD employee in drug seizure operation

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sombaria Police Station officials in Sikkim’s Soreng District seized contraband and apprehended two individuals in possession of illegal substances. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted an Omni Van in the Sombaria market area around 10:30 a.m. on October 30, arresting Puspa Lall Chettri, 39, from Salangdang, and Dewash Rai, 37, a state Human Resource Development Department employee stationed at Tikpur Secondary School. The search, conducted in the presence of the Block Development Officer, led to the discovery of 125 Windlas winspasmo capsules. The suspects were immediately taken into custody, and a case has been registered under Sikkim's Anti-Drugs Act as…

30 Oct

Strong support fuels Aditya Golay’s campaign in Soreng-Chakung

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Aditya Golay, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) candidate for the Soreng-Chakung constituency, is poised for a significant electoral victory as he faces no substantial opposition in the upcoming elections. Addressing reporters, Golay countered allegations of foul play, expressing gratitude for his nomination and acknowledging the strong support from local party workers.“I thank the supporters of Soreng-Chakung who advocated for my candidacy. It is an honor to represent them,” Golay stated. He addressed rival candidate Prem Bahadur Bhandari’s recent comments, labeling them personal opinions while remaining hopeful for future collaboration for the constituency's development. Regarding allegations of election misconduct, Golay urged…

29 Oct

Sikkim govt create more new rules to avoid congestion

Banasree SarkarSikkimtraffic turbulences

The Sikkim government plans to adopt the odd-even traffic rule in the Gangtok municipal area from November 5 to combat congestion, authorities said on Saturday. The system allows odd-numbered vehicles to operate on odd dates, whereas even-numbered vehicles can operate on even dates from 9.30 a.m. to noon and 3.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. An exemption period would be in effect from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., they noted. The regulation applies to Gangtok's municipal limits, specifically the National Highway between Mayfair Fatak and GICI, but excludes feeder roads. These limits do not apply to emergency services such as ambulances, police,…

28 Oct

Apatan Fellowship Scheme launched to preserve Sikkim’s languages

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The International Literary Festival 2024 commenced at the Manan Kendra in Gangtok on October 26, drawing literary figures and enthusiasts from across India and Nepal. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang lauded the event on October 27, emphasizing the transformative power of literature in promoting cultural and intellectual exchange. “I am overwhelmed to be in the presence of such renowned literary figures. Sikkim is honored to host this event, which strengthens the cultural fabric of our society,” said Tamang, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering literary dialogue across borders. He remarked, “Literature is a beautiful reflection of human sentiment,” acknowledging…

26 Oct

The wait is over for Sikkim, TNA Alumni Carnival finally has started

Banasree SarkarSikkimTNA Alumni Carnival

The much-anticipated "TNA Alumni Carnival 2024" began today, ushering in a joyous atmosphere with Hon'ble Minister for Education Raju Basnett serving as the Chief Guest. The carnival was held on the grounds of Tashi Namgyal Academy and was attended by various dignitaries, including MLA Machong, Pamin Lepcha, and Namgyal Barfungpa, MLA for Delay. The Pipers band gave a rousing performance to kick off the day's festivities. The band's lively performance set the tone, followed by cultural dances and musical acts. Attendees were exposed to a mix of culture that encouraged friendly rivalry among alumni students and community members. The carnival's…

26 Oct

Handwashing station inaugurated at Bariakhop School to promote hygiene

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

On October 25, a handwashing station was inaugurated at the Government Senior Secondary School in Bariakhop, Sikkim, to enhance hygiene and health among students. The event brought together students, teachers, and members of the school management committee, all united in the effort to promote better health practices. This initiative aims to provide students with the necessary facilities to wash their hands effectively, especially before meals and after using toilet facilities, thereby reducing the risk of infections and promoting overall well-being. The inauguration was supported by the Sulabh Sanitation Club, an affiliate of Sulabh International, New Delhi. Team members Rupak Roy…

25 Oct

Representing India, Sikkim joins high-altitude tiger conservation meeting in Bhutan

Banasree SarkarSikkimsikkim

Dr Pradeep Kumar's five-member Sikkim team attended a transboundary tiger conservation meeting in Bhutan. Representatives from India, Bhutan, and Nepal attended the summit, which focused on the preservation of tigers throughout the Himalayan area. Key discussions of the meeting was focused on the problems of maintaining high-altitude tigers. Particularly after recent video trap data revealed tiger travels between Sikkim and Bhutan. Dr Rajesh Gopal, Secretary General of the Global Tiger Forum, emphasized the necessity of cross-border coordination, noting that tiger habitats straddle Nepal, Bhutan, and India. During the negotiations, Sikkim's delegation emphasized programs such as "Mero Rukh Mero Santati" and its positioning…

25 Oct

Sikkim’s Chief Minister unveils plans for cardamom revival and GLOF mitigation

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay chaired a crucial meeting focused on two key initiatives—revitalizing large cardamom farming and addressing the growing threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in Sikkim. The meeting, which included Science and Technology Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, underscored the state’s proactive approach to both agricultural development and climate resilience. The revival of large cardamom cultivation, a major agricultural product for Sikkim, was highlighted as essential for boosting rural economies. CM Tamang emphasized that strengthening this sector would provide long-term livelihood security for farmers across the state, with continuous support from relevant departments. Addressing GLOF mitigation, the…