Appeal

We have launched a unique and innovative programme called Paryavaran Mahotsav which starts from 15th of June and continues to 30th of June every year. With tireless efforts of the people of Sikkim and green initiatives and policies of the Government, we have been able to increase our forest cover from 43.95% in 1993 to over 47.34% in 2014, which is more than double the national average.

Paryavaran Mahotsav not only envisages for the increase in forest cover but also gives way to creation of Eco roads, Smriti Vans, 10 Minutes to Earth, beautification and landscaping of all institutional campus, greening of all vacant lands, beautification of bazaars, ornamenting the flyovers, roadways and even one’s own house. Cleanliness of surroundings, solid waste management, promotion of eco-tourism, organic farming, giving respect to one’s culture and tradition, giving respect to all the creations of God, respect for sacred rivers and lakes, mountain peaks, devithans and deoralis etc. also forms a part of this Mahotsav.

I appeal all the citizens to plant a sapling and take pledge to resort to eco-friendly lifestyles, do organic farming, resort to reduce, re-use and re-cycle practices, and create low carbon footprints.

This will only lead to realization of our mission of creating a clean, green and visitors friendly Sikkim.

Pawan Chamling 

APPEAL

Martam Charitable Youth Association, an NGO, has appealed to all for financial aid for a patient suffering from Rheumatic Heart Disease [MR, AR].
Niv Maya Sunar [34 years], a resident of Bardang, East Sikkim currently residing in Martam belongs to the economically weaker section of the society and cannot afford treatment expenses. The necessary facilities for the treatment of the said condition are not available at STNM Hospital therefore the medical consultant in-charge has recommended treatment outside Sikkim, preferably at Mission Hospital in Durgapur, West Bengal. Although the state government has extended grants for availing referral facilities outside Sikkim, we have come to learn that the duration of her stay in the hospital might be a long one. Therefore expenses which are not included in the criteria of the referral cannot be met by her.
For details on how to extend assistance, contact: 7699935272, 8515065199

CHUNGTHANG NEEDS

The list below is in addition to the requirement listed posted yesterday.
Tseten Lepcha, based in Chungthang at present, informs that the town is in urgent requirement of the following:
1. WLL Phones [handsets]: The only telecom service still operational in Chungthang is the BSNL WLL network. Although some residents have WLL phones and more were provided by the BSNL authorities, these are all the old model, bulky phone sets. WLL connections are also available in mobile handset models. These are essentially required for the relief teams working out of town but within the WLL coverage. These teams, which have to negotiate difficult landslides and guide people leaving town on foot [no heliservices again due to inclement weather] find the old model phones too bulky and cumbersome. They could use the more convenient mobile handset variants. WLL connectivity is expected to be restored for Lachung soon and installed at Lachen as well, it is informed. These are large villages and have several outlying settlements for whom mobile handset models will be more convenient.
2. READY-TO-EAT NOODLES: While provisions have been coming in, the best and most convenient option for the relief camps are ready-to-eat instant noodles.
3. GENERATORS: Power & Energy Department engineers now stationed in Chungthang have deployed some ingenious wiring and lighting options and have ensured that all the streetlights in Chungthang are function through the night. These are being powered by generators in station. Similar options will also be devised for Lachung, Lachen and other areas further north and at other locations in Chungthang as well. Gensets are however in short supply and lighter and smaller Gensets will be of great use for the many [seven on last count] relief camps set up in Chungthang.
4. SATTELITE PHONES: While a batch of Sat-Phones have been sent for Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen, the reliable communication they provide has people in the affected area hoping that more sets can be released to the area.
5. VSAT: Lachung has a VSAT installation at a private hotel but has no power supply at present. These, if sponsored by larger aid agencies or collectively by groups, will be of immense help.


The above list, it may be added here, is to complement the list posted here, not to replace it. The need for Tarpaulins, candles and protective gear against rains remains as urgent.

NEEDED AT CHUNGTHANG

1. TARPAULIN SHEETS: To cover damaged buildings so that water does not seep through cracks, making structures even weaker. Also for use at relief camps for flooring and protection from rain.
2. CANDLES: Desperately required because stocks have run out after a week of no electricity. If solar lamps can be provided, even better.
3. KEROSENE STOVES: Although kerosene is being sourced from army supplies and other stocks, the relief camps desperately need more kerosene stoves.
4. BOTTLED WATER or WATER PURIFYING TABLETS: With the water supply completely devastated, Water Supply and PHE Department engineers have managed to draw line from Kalapathar to Chungthang. This supply is not adequate and extremely muddy. While bottled water would be ideal for health reasons, adequate supplies may prove difficult to reach to Chungthang and areas beyond. In that event, water purifying tablets should be immediately reached to prevent outbreak of waterborne diseases. Remember, people fleeing from Lachung and other areas further north of Chungthang are camping at Chungthang for a safe way home.

FOR THE RELIEF AND RESCUE TEAMS [although these are required by other people as well]
1. TORCHLIGHTS: Relief workers will find these extremely handy.
2. RAIN COATS: The weather has not been helpful of late and Relief volunteers have been plodding through rain and slush without waterproof gear. Rain coats will make their work easier.
3. GUM BOOTS: For the same reason as above.
The relief workers at Chungthang suggest that the supplies be reached over road to Toong-Naga, till where the roads have been cleared. There is an operational helipad at Naga from where the supplies can be airlifted quicker to Chungthang and areas beyond. They also suggest that relief packages be clearly marked for destinations intended so that there is no confusion.
[List prepared from a conversation with Tseten Lepcha, currently based in Chungthang]