High Court takes exception to casual approach of Central agencies to Sikkim’s road network requirements

MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT AND BRO DIRECTED TO PRIORITIZE SIKKIM’S URGENCY, USE WINTER WORKING SEASON EFFECTIVELY TO IMPROVE ROADS

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: The High Court of Sikkim has taken exception to the apparently casual approach of the Central government, namely the Ministry of Surface Transport and the Director General, Border Roads Organisation, to Sikkim’s urgent and long pending requirement of a proper road network particularly an all-weather national highway.

Shillong Chamber Choir sings tribute to the ‘resilient spirit of Sikkim’

Shillong Chamber Choir regaled a select audience with a mix of different genres of music at Mayfair Resorts, closing the stunning performance with a stunning rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’. This song, which the choir has made its own, is scheduled to be released soon by the President of India at the Gateway of India. Also present at the function was a TNA alumnus and CEO cum Director, Thomson Digital of the India Today Group, Vinay Kr Singh who presented a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to the TNA Alumni Association, which had organized the special performance.

Speaker, KT Gyaltsen and Neil Nongkynrih

TNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HOSTS ‘PEACE, PROSPERITY, HAPPINESS’ EVENT
GANGTOK, 01 Dec: It has been more than two months since an earthquake shook the State, changing a number of lives here forever. The state has managed to get back on its feet, while rebuilding efforts and long term planning are still on. As a tribute to these efforts and the spirit of resilience that Sikkim and its people have displayed in the face of such a crisis, the Tashi Namgyal Academy Alumni Association hosted a special charity show ‘Peace, Prosperity, Happiness’ today at Mayfair Resorts.

Sikkim endorses ‘Getting to Zero’ theme on AIDS Day

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: Gangtok joined the rest of the world today to observe AIDS Day on this year’s theme, “Getting to Zero - Zero New HIV Infection, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS related Deaths”.
To mark the Day, the Sikkim State AIDS Control Society [SSACS] organized a day-long series of activities aimed to generate wider HIV and AIDS awareness among the general public. These events were hosted at the centrally-located space opposite Tourism Department here at MG Marg.

Sikkim Snow Fest announced for Jan-Feb 2012

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: Travel Agents Association of Sikkim [TAAS] has announced plans to host ‘Sikkim Snow Fest 2012’ from 28 January to 27 February 2012.

DM South issues fresh orders, seal on Melli Sonam’s house to be opened

NAMCHI, 01 Dec: The District Magistrate [South], AK Singh, today issued fresh orders directing that the house of Nuk Tshering Bhutia, known as “Melli Sonam”, at Melli, sealed on his directions recently, be reopened. When contacted, the DM confirmed the development, and explained that the new directive was in accordance with the  order of the appellate authority passed yesterday.

30 from NE complete mountain biking course with TAAS

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: Thirty trainees from North-Eastern states completed a “Technical Team for Mountain Biking” course which was part of the capacity building training for tourism stakeholders of North East Region offered by Travel Agents Association of Sikkim [TAAS] and sponsored by the North East Council [NEC] under Ministry of DONER.

Eight Rateypani residents resign from the SDF party

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: A group of 8 people claiming to be SDF party supporters from Rateypani under Namthang Constituency have resigned from the party, alleging the present government of ‘undemocratic practice’.  

One caught with explosives in Rangpo

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: The Rangpo police today arrested one person on charges of possessing explosive substances. It has been a while since the police has apprehended or charged anyone with possession of such substances.

Maniram-Singithang celebrates GPU Annual Day with proactive transparency, releases White Paper covering last 4 years

NAMCHI, 01 Dec: Maniram-Singithang Gram Panchayat Unit celebrated its “GPU Annual Day” here at the Zilla Panchayat Bhawan today with Namchi-Singithang MLA Binod Rai was chief guest. In a welcome towards proactive transparency, the GPU released a White Paper covering the tenure of the present panchayats from 2008 to 2011. This document carries details of all developmental works, benefits provided, programmes and activities initiated in the GPU during this period.

Constituency level career counseling for students launched from West Pendam

AREA MLA HOPES THAT INITIATIVE WILL BE TAKEN TO ALL CONSTITUENCIES OF THE STATE
CENTRAL PENDAM, 01 Dec: A two-day Constituency Level Career Counseling Programme for students of Classes IX to XII of West Pendam constituency was inaugurated by the area MLA, Industries Minister Neeru Sewa, at the Central Pendam Senior Secondary School today.

First house under CMRHM completed at Rakdong-Tintek Block

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: The first house completed under the Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Mission at Upper Tintek Ward of Rakdong Tintek GPU was inaugurated on 25 Nov by the area MLA [Tumin Lingee], Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia, following which the house was handed over to the beneficiary, Bhim Bahadur Pandey, informs a press release issued by the BDO, Tenzing D Denzongpa.

30 complete design & technical development of carpet weaving course

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: Thirty trainees completed a 15-day “Design and Technical Development Workshop on Carpet Weaving” at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom [DHH] complex here on 29 November.

Vyakhyan Shrankhala begins with Mahananda Paudyal

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: A monthly programme, “Vyakhyan Shrankhla”, was launched on 29 Nov here at Nepali Sahitya Parishad Bhawan with its first episode featuring renowned litterateur, Mahananda Paudyal, as its first guest to share his literary experiences.

Training on bio-security in poultry farming held

NGTOK, 01 Dec: A day-long training-cum-demonstration on Bio-security in Poultry Farming was conducted for the poultry farmers of Rhenock-Tarpin at the Animal Husbandry poultry farm at Rhenock on 28 November.

Reewasuh is Soreong Government School Idol

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: The much-awaited “School Idol” contest at Soreong Senior Secondary School in West Sikkim was held today, an apt event to close a series of special co-curricular activities at the institution. Reewasuh Gurung bagged the School Idol crown and Divya Thapa was adjudged the runner-up in the well attended and well-received event today.

Dhara Vikas initiative in Sikkim wins Jury Special Mention at eNorth East Award Summit

GANGTOK, 01 Dec [IPR]: The eNorth East Award Summit was jointly organized by the North East Development Foundation and the Department of Information Technology, Government of Nagaland on 25 Nov at Kohima, Nagaland.

Traffic violation leads to ‘drug bust’

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: Personnel at the Tadong police outpost apprehended one person on charges of possession of substances of abuse last night.

Sikkim pugilists to box at Sr Men’s National championship

GANGTOK, 01 Dec:  A Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association team is leaving to represent the State at the 58th Senior Men’s National Boxing Championship being held in Tamil Nadu from 05 to 10 December.

AIDS Day in Singtam

RANGPO, 01 Dec: The Red Ribbon Club of Spark [Singtam] supported by the RBC of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Gangtok, organised an AIDS awareness cum blood donation camp at the Bihari Dharmasala at Singtam today to mark World AIDS Day.

SSB volunteers from Sikkim to join Delhi dharna

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: A meeting of SSB Volunteers Association, Sikkim was convened today at Sisney, Naya Bazaar, South Sikkim, chaired by its president, SK Rai, informs an official press release.

Power Grid to organize free health camp in Ranipool

GANGTOK, 01 Dec: The Power Grid Corporation of India’s 132/66 KV Gangtok Power Grid sub-station has announced plans to organize a free medical health check up camp at Indrakil Saraswati Vidyalaya, Ranipool, on 04 December.
An official press release explains that the camp is part of the corporation’s corporate social responsibility undertakings for the financial year 2011-12.

Border Trade closes high in spirit, but still low on infrastructure

EXPORTS OVER NATHULA ADD UP TO NEARLY A CRORE IN OCTOBER ALONE; IMPORTS STILL OFFICIALLY ‘NIL’

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: The sixth season of Indo-China border trade through the 14,000 feet high Nathula mountain pass came to a close today with the final day of trading marking the traditional annual bonhomie among traders of both countries. While trading too took place, the day was marked with exchange of gifts among the traders and get-togethers between relatives otherwise separated by the border. There was also a cultural programme organized at Sherathang, the trade mart on the Sikkim side, by Indian traders along with food and drinks.

Imports ‘nil’, but Chinese goods still flood local markets though Nathula

CUSTOMS OFFICIALS UNDERTAKE ENQUIRY INTO IRREGULARITES, REPORT COULD END UP WITH THE CVC

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: Nathula, which was once more popular as a tourist destination and later as a symbol of the beginnings of Sino-Indian bonhomie marking the official recognition of Sikkim as part of the Indian Union by China, is, among the common folk, becoming less known for the above.

Cabbies unite to demand hike in taxi fare, roll back in HSRP price

CENTRAL JAC OF LOCAL TAXI DRIVERS CUM OWNERS ASSC CONVENES MASSIVE GENERAL MEETING

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: Following a general meeting held here today which emptied the capital of taxi, the Central Joint Action Committee [CJAC] of Local Taxi Driver’s cum Owners Association has decided to submit a memorandum to the State government on the agendas discussed at the meeting.

Sikkim Lepcha Association congratulates Bharat Excellence Awardee, Karma Choter Lepcha

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: A meeting of the Renjyong  Mutanchi  Rong  Tarjum (Sikkim Lepcha Association) was held on 29 Nov at Development Area, Gangtok under the chairmanship of its President, Sonam Dupden Lepcha.

North East Ke Superstars thank supporters

AMEET OBEROI
GANGTOK, 30 Nov: A thanksgiving programme by the North East Ke Superstars - Remanti Rai and Robin Mukhia - organised by the Remanti-Robin Fan Club for all the voters and supporters was held at the BL House at Tibet Road today. The programme was chaired by CL Ghimirey, a local movie producer.
CD Rai [Advisor, Press Club of Sikkim], Roshan Rai [MD, Nayuma Television] and T Lachungpa [President, Citizen’s Forum] were also felicitated with Letters of Appreciation by the Remanti-Robin Fan Club for their help and support to the duo.

SIRD holds second training for Trainers on PRI Accounting Software

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), in consultation with Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) has developed a Model Accounting System [MAS] for the Panchayati Raj Institutions across the country in order to ensure transparency and accountability within the Panchayati Raj system.

Greenfield airport excites investment in Sikkim’s tourism sector

5-STAR PROJECT TO BEGIN JAN 2012, OTHER BIG HOTELIERS EXPRESS KEEN INTEREST TO INVEST IN SIKKIM AS WELL
GANGTOK, 30 Nov: Investors are showing keen interest in the tourism sector in the State, and with the Pakyong Green Field Airport construction coming up, a number of private companies have already begun the process, informs a press release issued by the Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation Deptt, N Yethenpa.

SAMETI organises training on Advanced Technology for Organic Farming

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: State Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) organized a three-day training programme on advanced technologies for organic farming in collaboration with Extension Education Institute (EEI), Jorhat, Assam for Extension officers from 28-30 Nov, informs a press release.

Two teenaged cousins commit suicide together, 3 more UD cases reported

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: Five Unnatural Deaths [UD] were reported from across the State on 29 November, including that of two teenaged girls who committed suicide together by hanging from the same tree.

Dr. Tsewang Y. Pemba Tsering: A Tribute

KC PRADHAN

A doyen among the medical fraternity in the Hills of Darjeeling, and the first to become a doctor in western medicine from his community, is no more. A distinguished medical surgeon who made a mark not only in Darjeeling but also in faraway London and more importantly in the Kingdom of Bhutan where he was highly revered.

Upper Dzongu cancels this year’s Namsoong celebrations

MANGAN, 30 Nov: An executive body meeting of the Namprikdang Namsoong Celebration Committee was held at Passingdang in Upper Dzongu under the chairmanship of President Nezing Lepcha on 29 November.

Child injured in Mangthang accident succumbs to injuries

SINGTAM, 30 Nov: The Mangthang accident involving a Maruti Van in which two people were killed on the spot on 20 November, claimed another life when a seven-year-old victim of the accident succumbed to his injuries while under treatment at the North Bengal Nursing Home yesterday.

Lum/Gor/Sangtok GPU convenes gram sabha

MANGAN, 30 Nov: The Gram Sabha for Lum/Gor/Sangtok GPU of Lower Dzongu was held here at the Gram Prasashan Kendra at Gor in Lower Dzongu on 29 November. The Gram Sabha was presided over by Panchayat President of the GPU, Chungchung Lepcha and was attended by BDO Passingdang, Jigmee Bhutia, Zilla member, Chedup Lepcha, Panchayat of respective wards, Field Facilitator, vigilance committee, ward level and block level committees, Headmasters of feeder schools, ASHA & Aganwadi workers, Panchayat Education Assistants (PEA), representatives of line departments and the general public.

Long-term earthquake rebuilding cost projected at Rs. 7,400 crore

STATE GOVT SUBMITS EARTHQUAKE REBUILDING DPR DETAILS TO MHA
WITH ONLY Rs 50 CRORES IN CENTRAL ASSSISTANCE RECEIVED THUS FAR, NUMEROUS BILLS PENDING
GANGTOK, 29 Nov: Sikkim’s long term rebuilding, post the 18 September Earthquake will cost an estimated Rs. 7,400 crore. This is the projection prepared by the State government and put up to the Centre as a final memorandum on 28 November. A total of 17 departments have submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) o rebuilding works to be undertaken by them, it was informed.

SDF dismisses claims of 67 Daramdin families quitting party

GANGTOK, 29 Nov: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front has condemned claims circulated through press releases issued by the former Daramdin panchayat president, Jacob Khaling, contending the resignation by 67 families of Daramdin constituency from the SDF party.

Under the shadow of a slide at Kopibari



The Government Junior High School at Kopibari below Namnang bhir in Gangtok. Through the tree cover above the right shoulder of the school building, the scar of the earthquake-induced landslide can be spied. As per experts, the 18 Sept earthquake has detached a rock mass on this alignment and brought it the brink of collapse. If it comes loose, the school and adjoining houses will be affected.

GANGTOK, 29 Nov: Kopibari, a small village under Shyari constituency, is situated directly below the Namnang cliff. In the past, the village has sustained substantial damage to life and property from landslides, and now, with the 18 September Earthquake, the sheer slope above has been rendered dangerously unstable.

Of 1,800 registered NGOs in Sikkim, only 26 are enrolled with Social Welfare Dept

TO ACCESS GOVT GRANTS, REGISTRATION WITH WELFARE DEPT A MUST
AMEET OBEROI
GANGTOK, 29 Nov: There are a total of 26 Non Governmental Organisations [NGOs] registered with the Social Welfare, Empowerment & Justice Department [SWE&JD] from all over the State.

Four Sikkim martial artists in the national Wushu team

GANGTOK, 29 Nov: Four members of Sikkim Amateur Wushu Association [SAWA] have been selected in the Indian team for the upcoming 10th edition of International Wushu Championship scheduled to be held from 24 to 28 February next year in Hongkong.

Nutrition awareness camp held at Dikchu PHC

WANGCHUK BHUTIADIKCHU, 29 Nov: The Nutrition Cell, Social Justice Empowerment & Welfare Department, organized a Nutrition awareness camp for Dzongu ICDS staff at Dikchu, PHC in North Sikkim on 28 November.

Old age home to come up at Ralong

GANGTOK, 29 Nov: Minister, Neeru Sewa announced the construction of an Old Age Home at Ralong under Central Pendam constituency in a meeting held at Rangpo today.

Red Cross Society reviews and plans activities in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 29 Nov: The Indian Red Cross Society, Sikkim Branch, convened a meeting on 25 November chaired by Speaker, KT Gyaltsen who is also the President of the Society’s state branch at the Conference Hall of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, informs a press release. The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman, Dr SK Dewan, Legal adviser, Mr. Uppadhai, General Secretary, BK Roka, Jt. Secretary, KN Subedi along with the executive and regular members of the society.

Rangpo Indrakil Prayag construction work to begin in Feb 2012

GANGTOK, 29 Nov: The construction work for the Rangpo Indrakil Prayag will begin in February next. The decision was taken at a meeting held today at the conference hall of the Rangpo Tourism Office after the area MLA and Minister, Neeru Sewa inspected the site.

NYK’s National Integration Camp begins at Singtam

GANGTOK, 29 Nov [IPR]: The National Integration Camp organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Sikkim Zone was inaugurated by the State Rural Management and Development Minister, CB Karki, today, at Bihari Bhawan, Singtam.

In Memorium

Remembering Dr. Pemba of Darjeeling
MENLA ETHENPA
One of the most outstanding sons of the queen of the hills, Darjeeling, Dr. Tsewang Yishey Pemba breathed his last at Siliguri on 26 Nov 2011. He was 79 years old. After passing out from Victoria School, Kurseong in the year 1948, he joined St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling.

Sikkim officially declared “Disaster Affected State”

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: Sikkim has now been officially declared as a “Disaster Affected State”. This was notified by the State government on 21 November, 2011 in view of the damages caused by the earthquake of 18 September and has been done so with immediate effect.
Sources inform that the reason behind this move to declare the State as a “Disaster Affected State” is to avail soft loans and other facilities from the various banks here as well as source funds from international funding agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. This is a requirement stipulated as per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines.

Cost of stabilising failed slopes pegged at Rs. 35.50 crore

GOVT ENDORSES MITIGATION MEASURES RECOMMENDED BY MINES & GEOLOGY DEPTT
GANGTOK, 28 Nov: The State government, through the Mines and Geology Department, has decided to undertake a number of appropriate mitigation measures for landslides that may be triggered on slopes weakened by the 18 September Earthquake. Several of the mitigation measures decided upon by the government were also submitted to the Central government through the Ministry of Home Affairs in the month of October, it is learnt.

Rajya Sabha Petitions Committee to arrive in Dec, hear old business community demand for equal status

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: A delegation of the Rajya Sabha Petitions Committee is expected to visit the state in the month of December. This is in connection with the demands placed certain members of the old business community led by veteran Prem Goyal who have been demanding equal status with the local populace in terms of various facilities provided by the government.

Pick-up crushes minor to death at Tibet Road

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: A minor girl was crushed to death this afternoon when a “pick-up” truck ran her over at Tibet Road here. The vehicle, a “407 truck”, on its way to deliver a consignment of cement at Tathangchen, crushed the class-II student of West Point Senior Secondary School, Man Maya Biswakarma, at around 3:30 p.m.

3 booked for assault in Lachung

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: Three persons were arrested in Lachung on charges of assaulting and threatening the manager of a company engaged in works in North Sikkim. Norbu Lachungpa, Lanchey Lachungpa and Bhai Lachungpa have been accused of forced entry and threatening the Manager of MG Contractor Pvt Ltd at Dongeythang, Lachung in the wee hours of 27 November.

Lady peddler nabbed in Jorethang

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: A woman was arrested on charges of being a drug peddler by the Jorethang police on Sunday. The lady was allegedly found peddling controlled substances at Majhigoan, Jorethang when she was apprehended by the police. On being taken to the police station she was searched by a lady officer following which 75 capsules of Spasmo-Proxyvon and an empty file of N10 was found hidden in her inner garments.

Central Bank of India provides life insurance policies for underprivileged children at Namchi

MRS. CHAMLING MATCHES THE OFFER, DOUBLING THE POLICY VALUENAMCHI, 28 Nov: A unique and thoughtful idea in the form of a special programme to extend Life Insurance coverage for underprivileged children was held here at Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute for the Handicapped (JNMIH) at Boomtar, Namchi. The programme was organized by Central Bank of India (CBI) Regional Office, Siliguri, along with Gangtok and Namchi branch.

AKRS meets to discuss Rai Tableau for Republic Day 2012

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: A meeting of Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh (AKRS), Sikkim was held under the chairmanship of Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai, at his residence to discuss the Tableau of the Rai community which is scheduled to be included in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi next year, informs a press release.

Fungus identified, Spices Board grapples with ways to fight it and resuscitate large cardamom production in Sikkim

ANUPA RAI
GANGTOK, 27 Nov: The Spices Board recently prepared a report on the “Management of Colletotrichum blight of large cardamom” which looks at the disease that has led to decline in large cardamom production in Sikkim.
“Blight disease that affects large cardamom is one of the major reasons for production decline at present,” states the report and informs that the disease is present in varying degrees at all locations of cultivation.

Editorial

Tourism Priorities, Post-Earthquake
Tourism has taken a hard hit in the wake of the 18 September Earthquake. Tourist arrivals in the post-earthquake months have been a sliver of the jeeploads which would otherwise drive into Sikkim with the start of the Durga Puja holidays. And with this dip, the main weakness of the tourism sector – the impact of factors beyond the host state’s control on tourist seasons – has been underlined. Sikkim, like any other tourist destination, knows this fickleness of tourist seasons only too well.

Milching cows distributed in South Sikkim

NAMCHI, 28 Nov: The AHLSF&VSD, South distributed a total of 10 milching cows to farmers of South District under the General category of beneficiaries today.

Majhitar residents form ‘Majhitar Samaj Kalyan Samity’

MAJHITAR, 28 Nov: Residents of Majhitar near Rangpo have come together to form the ‘Majhitar Samaj Kalyan Samity’, a social organization to educate the public on their civic responsibilities and promote the co-operative movement in order to sort out social problems.

27th Nov Committee celebrates foundation day

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: The executive committee of the ‘27th Nov Committee’ celebrated its foundation day here yesterday. The meeting, chaired by its president, reviewed its past activities and unanimously decided on issues like, Local Protection Act, informs a press release. 

Red Fest team reaches Modern Senior Secondary School

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: ‘Positive Intervention’, a direct intervention in schools and colleges, was organized by the Red fest team at Modern Senior Secondary School on 28 November. Students of class eight and above benefitted from this programme, informs a press release.

PYKKA Sports concludes at Namchi

NAMCHI, 28 Nov: The District Level Rural PYKKA (Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan) Sports Competition 2011-2012 which had started on 25 November in the South District concluded at the Bhaichung Stadium Namchi today.

Rigzing Sokdup prayers conclude at Kambal

GANGTOK, 28 Nov:  The three-day Rigzing Sokdup prayers organized by the Ritsung Chorten Committee at Kambal in East Sikkim concluded today, informs a press release. 

Sensitisation programme prepares officials for integrated district planning for BRGF

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: As Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), a centrally funded Rural Development programme, enters its sixth year, preparation of Perspective Plans for the 12th Five Year Plan Period (2012- 2017) set off with a sensitization workshop for all the line department officials, District Programme Officers, Project Officer (BRGF) and the Field Facilitators.

Gyalshing-Omchung ZPU becomes West PYKKA champ

GYALSHING, 28 Nov [IPR]: The 2nd District level sports competition, under PYKKA (Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan) for West district which had kicked off at Kyongsa ground here on 24 Nov concluded on 27 Nov.

Awareness on rural development through entertainment in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: An awareness programme on rural development began from 24 November at Maneybong, Sopakha, Karmatar, Singrampong and Topung in West Sikkim, informs a press release.

Stability drastically degraded, future threats present major challenges

MINES & GEOLOGY DEPT SUBMITS REPORT ON IMPACT OF EARTHQUAKE ON SIKKIM’S LAND AND ROCK MASS
STUDY OF 150 EARTHQUAKE-INDUCED SLIDES FLAGS 12 FOR URGENT ATTENTION AND RECOMMENDS LONGTERM MEASURES FOR ANOTHER 32
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLANS SHOULD SEEK OUT LOCAL INPUTS

GANGTOK, 27 Nov: With more than 150 landslides triggered off all over the State by the 18 September Earthquake, there is now genuine concern over the stability of the soil and rock formations and whether they will be able to withstand the next monsoon. Concern over the safety and security of life and property in the coming seasons has become a top priority with the State government now with the Mines & Geology Department reporting that there are likely to be numerous slides next monsoon as the slopes and hill sides have been destabilized and considerably weakened by the impact of the earthquake. Not just landslides, there is also a threat of glacial lake outbursts in North Sikkim.

Music video on HIVAIDS awareness launched

GANGTOK, 27 Nov: Local singer, Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha launched his Nepali music video titled ‘Sukha Paat’ at Café Live and Loud on Friday. Ranipool Ward Councillor, Damber Dahal was present as the chief guest at the launch.

Editorial

Post-Earthquake, Collaborate More SubstantiallyThere should be no surprises in the warning posted by the Mines & Geology Department in its preliminary report on the impact of 18 September Earthquake on the land stability of Sikkim. The litter of landslides triggered by the temblor trail the Sikkim landscape for all to see, and where BRO road expansion works have added to slope instability, are there for all commuters to suffer as well.

67 families quit SDF in Daramdin

GANGTOK, 27 Nov: 67 families under Daramdim Constituency resigned from the SDF party today in a meeting held at one DB Subba’s house chaired by Man Bir Subba, informs a press release issued by the former panchayat, Chumbung, Jacob Khaling.

JCS welcomes SPA’s new executive committee

GANGTOK, 27 Nov:  Journalist Club of Sikkim has welcomed the formation of the new executive body of Sikkim Press Association, informs a press release issued by the president and general secretary, Mingma Bhutia and Ratan Gurung.

76th edition of Pratibha Milan held in Gangtok

THREE FELICITATIONS AND THREE BOOKS RELEASED
GANGTOK, 27 Nov: Poets and writers, Apsara Dahal, Sonam Dong and Arjun Chamling ‘Yawa’ were felicitated for their contributions in the field of literature at the 76th edition of Pratibha Milan today in a function held here in the capital.
The Pratibha Milan was chaired by renowned poet, Thiru Prasad Nepal from Namchi and attended by renowned poet, Bichandra Pradhan as the chief guest.

North Headmasters place common grievances at coordination meeting

MANGAN, 27 Nov:  School Headmasters along with the SUTWA President placed a 14-point agenda framed by the Headmasters of Primary Schools and Junior High Schools at a coordination meeting held at the Mangan BAC conference hall here on 24 November.

Lok Adalat settles one case in North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 27 Nov: A High Court Lok Adalat was held on 26 Nov at the Mediation Centre, Pentok, Mangan, North Sikkim presided over by Judge, High Court and Executive Chairman, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, Justice SP Wangdi along with GP Pradhan, Dr. Henrimit Lepcha and Norden Bhutia as the ‘other persons’ of the High Court Lok Adalat.
Out of 3 cases taken up, one was successfully settled, informs an official press release.

Gnathang ZPU lifts East district PYKKA competition

GANGTOK, 27 Nov: Gnathang ZPU lifted the Overall Championship trophy of the district-level PYKKA Competition of East Sikkim organized by the East District PYKKA Committee here.

Grand Losoong celebrations planned for Maniram Bhanjyang

NAMCHI, 27 Nov: Bhutia Basti Vikas Samiti of Maniram Bhanjyang, South Sikkim, has announced plans to celebrate Losoong in a grand manner this year.

SPA elects new executive committee

GANGTOK, 27 Nov: The Sikkim Press Association [SPA] formed its new Executive Committee at a hotel in Deorali on 26 November, informs a press release. All candidates stood for elections uncontested.

NYK to conduct National Integration camp at Singtam

GANGTOK, 27 Nov: Nehru Yuva Kendra [NYK] Gangtok Zonal Office is conducting a six-day long National Integration Camp at Bihari Bhawan Hall, Singtam from 29 November to 04 December.