Sikkim - The Purbottar

25 Sep

Sikkim hits record September heatwave at 26.8°C

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this month, with the capital city Gangtok recording a temperature of 26.8°C, marking the hottest September since records began in 1969, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The previous record was 27.1°C in 1998. IMD Gangtok head, Gopinath Raha, revealed that temperatures in the state have consistently been 3-6 degrees above normal throughout the month. "This is the highest September temperature we’ve ever recorded, with a mean of 24°C for the month," Raha stated. Gangtok has experienced 11 days with temperatures exceeding 25°C, with Tadong reaching a scorching 33.1°C on September 21. The heatwave…

24 Sep

Stay one night to get free Nathula Pass in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has decentralized the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system. This change, in accordance with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang's directive, aims to enhance access to popular tourist spots like Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake while promoting balanced development in the Namchi and Soreng districts. Starting September 24, 2024, district tourism offices will issue 50 vehicle permits daily for Nathula Pass. This new policy is set to reduce bureaucratic delays, making travel easier for both domestic and foreign tourists. A key highlight is the introduction of ‘free Nathula Pass permits’ for domestic tourists who stay…

23 Sep

Sikkim CM meets AIFF President to boost football

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang held a key meeting with All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey to discuss the promotion and development of football in the state. The meeting focused on advancing opportunities for aspiring football players and strengthening grassroots programs. Sharing details of the discussion on X (formerly Twitter), CM Tamang emphasized the state's commitment to nurturing local football talent. "Our discussions centered on exploring various initiatives that can create better opportunities for budding football players in Sikkim," he said. During the meeting, the Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of the region’s vibrant club culture…

23 Sep

Sikkim’s Roads and Bridges Department hosts health camp

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s Roads and Bridges Department successfully held a two-day free health camp at Sonamati Memorial Government Senior Secondary School in Khamdong from September 21 to 22, 2024. The initiative, themed "Your Health, Our Priority," aimed to support the state government's mission of creating a healthier Sikkim. The camp, led by Minister for Roads and Bridges N B Dahal, who is also the MLA of Khamdong-Singtam, was organized in collaboration with the Lions Club of Gangtok. Over 1,500 residents from Khamdong and neighboring areas availed medical services, along with free distribution of essential medicines. Speaking at the event, Minister Dahal emphasized…

20 Sep

Chief Minister unveils plans for fossil park

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Following the discovery of a 1.5-billion-year-old stromatolite fossil at Fossil Park in Mamley, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced an ambitious project to develop the site into a premier fossil theme park. This initiative will be spearheaded by the Department of Mines & Geology. The proposed park will feature an immersive light and sound show detailing Earth’s history, alongside a geological museum showcasing significant specimens and notable fossils from around the world. Additionally, a geopark village will be established to accommodate researchers, scientists, and tourists, positioning Sikkim as a vital hub for geology and paleontology. This remarkable find predates similar…

20 Sep

Shiva Kumar Timsina resigns from Sikkim Democratic Front

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has bolstered its communication efforts by appointing seven new spokespersons. The announcement was made by the party president in line with Article IV of the party's constitution, according to an official memo released by SKM headquarters. The newly appointed spokespersons, who assume their roles immediately, include C.P. Sharma, Jacob Khaling, Bikash Basnet, Krishna Lepcha, Yougen Tamang, Kavita Sapkota, and Sanjay Dilpali Rai. In a separate development, Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) member Shiva Kumar Timsina resigned from the party on Saturday, September 14, addressing his resignation to party president Pawan Kumar Chamling. Timsina commended Chamling for…

19 Sep

BRO completes new Bailey bridge at Zeema in North Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully completed the construction of a new Bailey bridge at Zeema in Mangan district, restoring critical road connectivity to the China border along Lachen valley. This development comes after the previous bridge was damaged in flash floods on May 29, 2024. Under Project Swastik, BRO workers commenced the construction on August 24 and completed it on September 16, ahead of schedule. The new bridge will significantly enhance logistics for both local residents and the armed forces stationed in the region. In addition to its strategic importance, the bridge is expected to revitalize tourism in…

18 Sep

Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga Ropeway inaugurated on September 16

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim marked a significant milestone in tourism with the launch of the Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga Ropeway, India’s longest, now operational in Yangang. The ropeway, inaugurated on September 16, saw a grand ceremonial ride attended by Sikkim Assembly Vice-Chairperson Rajkumari Thapa, former Press Secretary to the Chief Minister Vikas Basnet, and other dignitaries. Vice-Chairperson Thapa applauded Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for his pivotal role in reviving and completing the project, which she credited as a landmark achievement for the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government. “This ropeway is a historic step towards boosting tourism and local economy in Yangang,” Thapa said. The Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga…

16 Sep

Sikkim CM announces new financial aid for students

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting students by announcing new financial aid initiatives. In a recent meeting with students from various degree programs, Tamang highlighted the government's efforts to ease financial burdens for those pursuing higher education. Through a Facebook post, the Chief Minister underscored ongoing support for students in critical fields such as MBBS, B.Sc Nursing, Physiotherapy, B.Tech, and Paramedical courses. The newly introduced financial aid programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of these students, aiming to provide them with the resources necessary to excel academically. Encouraging students to pursue…

16 Sep

Sikkim Cooperative Union hosts key media training course

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A total of 37 journalists from Sikkim successfully completed an intensive three-day training course on Sunday, September 15, at the Sikkim Cooperative Union premises in Assam Lingzey, Pakyong District. The training aimed to sharpen journalistic skills and tackle the evolving challenges of media in the digital era. Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, the chief guest at the closing ceremony, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting independent journalism. He stressed the importance of a robust fourth pillar of democracy, particularly in the fight against misinformation. "The more journalists work independently, the happier we will be," Subba stated, highlighting the enduring…