Sikkim - The Purbottar

27 Mar

Indian Railways Begins Final Survey for Gangtok–Nathu La Railway Line

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Indian Railways has started the final location survey for a proposed railway line that will connect Gangtok with Nathu La in Sikkim, marking another step in expanding rail connectivity in the Himalayan state. The latest survey comes after the completion of a similar exercise for the 34.7 km Rangpo–Gangtok railway section. Officials said the new study will help determine the exact alignment, technical feasibility and cost estimates for the Gangtok–Nathu La stretch, which is seen as strategically and economically important. According to a report by The Times of India, construction work on the proposed line is expected to begin within…

26 Mar

Pakyong District Begins Nomination Process for Sikkim Civic Polls

riya EditorSikkim

The nomination process for the General Municipal Election 2026 in Pakyong district is ongoing at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), with the fourth day of filing taking place on Thursday. The first nomination was submitted by Sancha Maya Tamang, representing the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), for the 05 Dikling–Chalamthang Ward within the Pakyong Nagar Panchayat. The submission was made at the office of the Assistant Municipal Returning Officer-cum-Additional District Collector, Pulkit, who then administered the oath of affirmation to the candidate. The nomination filing hours are set from 11 am to 3 pm and will remain open until March 30,…

25 Mar

SMWA Athletes Meet Governor After National Championship Success

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A group of athletes from the Sikkim Masters Weightlifting Association (SMWA), along with medal winners from the 5th National Masters Weightlifting Championship 2026, met the Governor of Sikkim on Tuesday in Gangtok. The delegation was led by SMWA President Lakpa Sherpa. The team had recently taken part in the national-level championship and delivered a notable performance, marking an important step for masters weightlifting from the state. During the meeting, the Governor welcomed the athletes and congratulated them for their achievements at the national event. He acknowledged their effort and discipline, noting that their performance was a matter of pride for…

24 Mar

Discovery Boosts Sikkim’s Known Dragonfly and Damselfly Count to 93

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A recent scientific study has reported 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies, together known as odonates, for the first time from the Sikkim Himalaya, bringing fresh attention to the region’s rich but still less-studied insect diversity. The findings have been published in the international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, one of the oldest scientific journals in the country. Researchers said the discovery adds important new information to the understanding of biodiversity in the Himalayan region. The study was carried out by Neera Rawat, a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of Zoology at…

24 Mar

Police Probe Ongoing as Motive Remains Unclear in Sabitri Sharma Dea*th

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Yangang Police have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the suspected murder of former panchayat member Sabitri Sharma in Sripatam village near Yangang, officials said. According to police sources, Sharma, who was living alone at her residence, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The incident created panic in the locality, with neighbours and residents raising alarm after the body was discovered. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police detained Anuj Basnet, a neighbour of the deceased. He was later arrested in connection with the case. Police described Basnet as an alleged habitual offender. He is currently in police custody and…

23 Mar

Sikkim International Film Festival concludes with valedictory ceremony, sets vision for future growth

riya EditorSikkim

The Sikkim International Film Festival (SIFF) 2026 concluded on a high note on Sunday evening with a valedictory ceremony held after the final screenings at the festival venue. The closing proceedings commenced following the screening of Tara: The Lost Star and Dhokbu: The Keeper, which marked the final films of the festival. Chairman, Sikkim Music, Drama, Dance and Film Board, Tashi Tshering Bhutia, in his address, described the hosting of an international film festival in Sikkim for the first time as a matter of immense pride for the state. Bhutia lauded the Information and Public Relations Department, under the leadership…

09 Mar

North Sikkim tourism reopens: Permits for Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake issued again

nanika EditorSikkim

Tourism to popular destinations in North Sikkim, including Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake, has officially resumed as the district administration began issuing travel permits from March 9. The decision was announced by the administration of Mangan District in coordination with the Tourism Department.According to Mangan District Collector Anant Jain, tourists can now obtain permits for travel to Lachen and nearby areas from Monday. The permits will be issued through the district collectorate in Mangan as well as through authorized travel operators, following government guidelines.The issuance of tourist permits to these destinations had been suspended since 2023 after a glacial lake outburst…

01 Mar

Hyatt Regency Spa & Casino Project Launched in Central Gangtok, Marking New Tourism Milestone for Sikkim

riya EditorSikkim

In a significant stride to enhance Sikkim's premium hospitality sector, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) inaugurated the foundation stone for the Hyatt Regency Gangtok, a luxurious 150-room hotel, during a formal event at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok. This project strategically aims to position the capital as a high-value tourism destination focused on luxury travelers, destination weddings, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Tamang characterized the ceremony as a representation of trust and collaboration, commending the SM Group and Poddar Group for their investments and expressing gratitude to Hyatt Hotels Corporation for choosing Gangtok to expand its global brand. He…

01 Mar

APEDA organises Sikkim Organic Conclave-cum-International Buyer Seller Meet in Gangtok

riya EditorSikkim

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), together with the Government of Sikkim and IFOAM-Asia, organized the Sikkim Organic Conclave-cum-International Buyer Seller Meet (IBSM) in Gangtok. This event featured the release of a comprehensive knowledge report entitled “Study on Supply Chain & Export Readiness for Organic Farm Products in Sikkim,” prepared by NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL). The report aims to outline a strategic roadmap for strengthening Sikkim's organic export ecosystem by enhancing infrastructure, streamlining processes, improving product aggregation, establishing transparent pricing mechanisms, and positioning Sikkim strategically in the market. It emphasizes the need for sustainability,…

27 Feb

Second Convocation of Medhavi Skills University Highlights Push for Skill Development

riya EditorSikkim

Medhavi Skills University (MSU) held its second convocation ceremony in Gangtok, Sikkim, honoring graduates of its degree programs and showcasing the achievements and industry readiness of its students. The event, attended by notable dignitaries including Shri Sonam Tshering Venchungpa and Shri A. P. Subba, highlighted the university's dedication to skill-based higher education and its alignment with industry needs. A central feature of the ceremony was the conferral of honorary degrees (D.Litt. – Honoris Causa) to Major General Jai Singh Bainsla and Shri Raj Kumar Yadav for their exemplary service. Their acceptance speeches inspired graduates, focusing on discipline and skill-driven education…