Sikkim - The Purbottar

27 Oct

SSB employees in North Sikkim rescue foreign visitors who are afflicted with high-altitude illness

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A prompt and coordinated response by personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at the remote Border Out Post (BOP) Yambung in North Sikkim helped save the life of a foreign tourist who suffered from high-altitude sickness on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred at the Yambung post, situated at an altitude of 12,246 feet, when a group of eight trekkers — including three foreign tourists, a local guide, two cooks, two helpers, and a yak rider — reached the area. Shortly after their arrival, Ms. Nicole Horner, one of the female tourists, began experiencing breathing difficulties, showing symptoms of acute…

25 Oct

After six years, a rare barren butterfly was spotted in Dzongu, Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Nature enthusiasts and conservationists in Sikkim celebrated a rare sighting of the Spotless Baron butterfly (Euthalia recta) in Dzongu, North Sikkim, on October 19, 2025, marking its return after a six-year absence. The elusive butterfly, known for its distinctive lack of white spots found in closely related species, was photographed by conservationist Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, highlighting the ecological richness of the region. The first recorded sighting of the Spotless Baron in Sikkim occurred on October 29, 2019, also in Dzongu. Experts say such sightings are crucial for lepidopterists and conservationists, emphasizing the importance of preserving habitats in this biodiversity hotspot…

24 Oct

India’s first talent search for people with impairments is launched in Sikkim by Jhoom International

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Jhoom International, India’s first-ever talent hunt exclusively for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), is set to hold its Sikkim edition, offering a unique platform for young talents to showcase their skills. The initiative is presented by Shantidham Foundation in collaboration with the SKM Social Service Wing, Sarathi, and supported by the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICUN). The talent hunt is open to PwDs aged 10 to 40 years, with participants invited to submit a 1–2 minute video highlighting their talent in categories such as dance, singing, acting, comedy, stunts, magic, recitation, painting, and more. Videos must be in landscape…

23 Oct

Sikkim government calls on NHIDCL to take immediate action in response to the frequent NH-10 closures

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has raised serious concern over the frequent and prolonged closures of National Highway-10 (NH-10) — the state’s only major road link connecting it with the rest of the country. Officials said the repeated blockages are severely disrupting tourism, trade, and the daily movement of people, particularly during the current peak tourist season. In a strongly worded letter to Samrat Sanyal, General Manager of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, drew attention to what he described as a “growing inconvenience” caused by the…

22 Oct

On October 30, the Namchi Open Basketball Tournament 2025 will begin

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The much-awaited Namchi Open Basketball Tournament 2025 is set to commence on October 30 at Namchi Public School, promising a week of thrilling competition and sportsmanship. Chief Minister P.S. Tamang will attend the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest, lending the event significant prominence. Organisers have confirmed that twenty teams from across the region will compete, showcasing their skills in fast-paced basketball matches. The tournament aims to foster teamwork, athletic excellence, and healthy competition among youth. The event is jointly organised by the Namchi District Police and Yetis Basket Club, reflecting a collaborative effort to promote sports and constructive engagement…

20 Oct

The Sikkim Pollution Control Board reminds people that firecrackers are prohibited and encourages eco-friendly Diwali

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Ahead of Diwali, the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on Saturday urged the people of Sikkim to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner, emphasizing the harmful effects of bursting firecrackers on health and the environment. In a public statement, the SPCB reminded residents that the manufacture, sale, and bursting of firecrackers have been banned in the state for over a decade. “Bursts of firecrackers release harmful pollutants that deteriorate air quality, posing health risks particularly for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions. The resulting noise pollution also significantly affects public well-being,” the board noted. The SPCB…

18 Oct

A Union Minister’s visit to Sikkim demonstrates the state’s route to independence

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is being highlighted as a model for self-reliance and sustainable development following a three-day visit by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya. During her visit, the minister interacted with BJP workers, toured key locations, and inspected infrastructure projects across the state. Minister Bambhaniya praised Sikkim’s achievements in organic farming, calling it “the first organic state in the country, setting an example of self-reliance in organic development.” She added, “Sikkim represents a beautiful combination of culture, nature, and peace,” underlining the state’s potential to inspire similar initiatives nationwide. In Pakyong district, the…

17 Oct

India is represented at the first Bhutan Butterfly Meet by Sikkim’s “Butterfly Man”

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a landmark event celebrating regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation, Sikkim’s Nawang Gyatso Bhutia, widely known as the “Butterfly Man of Sikkim,” represented India at the 1st Bhutan Butterfly Meet, held under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan. The event brought together leading butterfly experts, conservationists, and enthusiasts from Sikkim, West Bengal, South India, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan, marking a new chapter in cross-border ecological collaboration. Bhutia, who also serves as the President of the Butterfly and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS), played a key role in the meet by sharing his…

16 Oct

Through its MSME awareness campaign, the Sikkim government empowers local business owners

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Commerce and Industries Department of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Cell, successfully conducted an awareness programme on State and Central Government MSME schemes at the Rinchenpong constituency. The initiative aimed to educate local entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and aspiring business owners about available financial assistance and business development opportunities under various government schemes. During the programme, officials highlighted key initiatives including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme, UNNATI Scheme 2024, and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme. Participants were…

15 Oct

The “Connect to CM” helpline is launched by Sikkim CM to bring citizens and governance closer together

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a landmark step toward citizen-centric governance, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) on Tuesday launched the ‘Connect to CM’ helpline, a new initiative designed to bridge the gap between the government and the people. The launch ceremony, held at Samman Bhawan, marked a defining moment in the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and participatory administration. The service, which became operational immediately after its launch, allows citizens to directly reach the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) through two dedicated numbers — 80016-81188 and 93327-81188. The helpline will remain open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, including on…