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District Task Force inspects landslide and flood affected areas under Dentam Sub Division.

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"District Task Force inspects landslide and affected areas"

A detailed inspection was carried out at landslide and flood affected areas under Dentam Sub Division, Gyalshing District.

The District Task Force inspection team was led by the ADC Gyalshing-cum-Chairman District Task Force Shri Khemraj Bhattarai. The team comprised of SDM Dentam as its Member Secretary and all the designated members alongside Zilla and Gram Panchayats.

The inspection, which aimed at reviewing the restoration works being carried out by the line departments and mitigation efforts to be undertaken to avert any monsoon induced disasters at vulnerable areas and to get a detailed assessment of the situation.

The inspection commenced from Intake (Kundan Hydro Project), where Mr. Bhattarai directed the concerned Panchayats to take written complaints along with photographs of the residents about the reported leakage of canal posing threat to the households and other properties. Further, the Incharge KHP was directed to take up the complaints and repair the canal wherever required to the satisfaction of the local community before the commencement of operation of the Power House.

Further, the team visited Lingay Konabar and Simphok (Sophakha GPU) wherein the ADC directed the concerned department heads to clear all roadside drains in their respective jurisdiction by immediately mobilising equipments and manpower on priority. As been the direction of the state government and the District Administration wherein the specific directions have already been issued to efficiently maintain the drainage systems of the roads maintained by departments and contractors as effort towards mitigating monsoon induced calamity in the vulnerable areas like Sopakha , Lingey Konabar and other interiors. He directed the concerned department to ensure proper supervision of the works being undertaken by the contractors. He further suggested the Panchayats present to make efforts towards mobilising the community in their respective area in a planned manner towards preventive mitigation of calamity.
The community ownership of the assets such as roads and its maintenance including the drainage system will go a long way in minimising the impact of any disaster, he added.

The team, along its route to Dentam. inspected the roadside drainage system and vulnerable areas wherein officials were directed to mobilise the manpower and machinery to clear and maintain the drains.

The next visit was made to the major landslide area (Dentam bridge). The team members explored the possible intervention that may be required to redirect the river to its original course. However, the members of the Task Force were unanimous in their opinion that due to high volume of river at present and the gradient of the current flow of river, any intervention towards changing its course can only be taken up once the volume of water is reduced to at least 50 percent of the current flow. Accordingly, the Task Force decided to review the matter during the third week of August.

Chief Minister of Sikkim called on the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

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"Chief minister of sikkim meets Nitin Gadkari"

Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang called on the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Mr Nitin Gadkari today at his residence and apprised him about the need of border check-post beside the newly constructed Atal Setu at Rangpo and construction of two-way ramp to connect the proposed composite check-post.

Chief Minister also apprised about the religious sentiment issue regarding the present alignment of NH 510, Legship- Gyalshing which passes through Sirijanga falls and the Holy Cave.
Furthermore, he conveyed to the Union Minister that a new alignment must be undertaken for which the state government has already allocated funds to acquire the land required for the alternative alignment.

Chief Minister emphasized the immense significance of this sacred place, revered by the Limboo Community of Sikkim, owing to its profound sentiments and religious value.

The Union Minister, patiently heard and appreciated the issues and proposal of the Chief Minister, immediately directing the senior officials of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Cooperation Limited (NHIDCL), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, to undertake a visit and inspection of both the places and provide alternate solution as proposed by the Chief Minister. The Union Minister further assured that both the concerns will be taken up by his ministry completing all the necessary formalities at the earliest.

MLA Sangay Lepcha led a team of officials to Kongri-Labdang to access the damages caused by the recent monsoon rains

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Dy.Speaker (SLA)cum Area MLA Shri Sangay Lepcha visited Middle Labdang Village under Kongri-Labdang GPU (Yuksam-Tashiding Constituency)and inspected the damage caused by recent monsoon rains,today.

Shri Lepcha was accompanied by SDM Yuksam Shri Tshering T. Bhutia,BDO Chongrang Shri Garap Dorjee Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat Member Shri Birendra Gurung, Panchayat President Shri B.B. Gurung, officials and engineers of the concerned department and local gentry.

During the visit,Shri Lepcha, after taking stock of the damage to private property including houses and land of the villagers suggested the concerned panchayats to identify and verify the damages and further instructed to submit a report to the concerned officials at the earliest.

Later,shri Lepcha interacted with the villagers and assured them of all necessary assistance from the state Government and immediate action would be taken to reduce further damages. He also suggested that the villagers should be more alert and aware as there is a possibility of more damage and risk due to the ongoing monsoon in the coming days.

It is to be reminded that due to the sudden cracking of the lower portion of land below Middle Labdang hamlet there is a high risk of landslide and an atmosphere of panic among 27 households.

Shri Gurung,Pan.President (Kongri-Labdang)on behalf of the villagers demanded the provision of extensive protection wall at the lower belt as preventive measure to save the village.

Later,shri Lepcha also inspected some partially damaged houses of Labdang village and assured them of all possible support from the state Government.

One-day media workshop “Vartalap” organized by PIB Sikkim

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PIB Organise one day Media Workshop in Sikkim on Vartalap of 9 Years of Seva, Sushan & Garib Kalyan

In an effort to raise awareness about various government schemes and initiatives, THE PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA conducted a one-day media workshop at the  Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deorali, in the capital city of Gangtok, Sikkim. 

The workshop, themed ‘MEDIA WORKSHOP – VARTALAP: 9 Years of Seva, Sushan & Garib Kalyan,’ brought together media personnel from Sikkim, high-ranking officials from PIB, and other government representatives.

The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial diya, followed by a warm welcome speech. Shri Sanjay Kumar Gupta, General Manager NABARD Sikkim, delivered a significant speech on ‘Ensuring Farmers’ Welfare on the perspective of Sikkim.’ He highlighted NABARD’s contributions to rural development and shed light on various schemes introduced by the Indian government to support the agriculture sector. These initiatives included the Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, which have significantly benefited farmers across the country.

Dr. LP Sharma, Sr Director, National Informatics Centre, presented on ‘Digital Transformation – India Marching Ahead,’ discussing the positive impact of digitalization in the state. He highlighted the success of projects such as E-District, Transport Services, and Financial Management facilitated by the National Informatics Centre.

Ms. Jane Namchu, Additional Director, PIB, Guwahati, provided insights on “Mainstream Media and Regional Media – A Comparison,” emphasizing the interdependence of both and how the advent of AI has influenced journalism.

Dr. AN Shankar shed light on the topic of “North East: A Growth Engine,” outlining various developmental projects in the region, including the establishment of Central Universities, advancements in the Health Sector, and improved connectivity, contributing to the region’s progress.

As the Chief Guest, Ms. Pabitra Bhandari, Chairperson, Sikkim Commission For Backward Classes, Government of Sikkim, stressed the importance of digital platforms in communicating with rural populations and encouraged citizens to visit NABARD offices and the Press Information Bureau to stay informed about available schemes.

The program successfully concluded with Smt. Nita Nirash, Sikkim Reporter, addressing the topic “Women Journalists in Media.” She discussed the challenges faced by women in media, particularly in regards to pay parity, and applauded the remarkable work done by national and local female journalists such as Barkha Dutt, Asha Mathur and many more.

Throughout the workshop, healthy discussions were held with reporters, providing valuable insights into their profession.

The event showcased the Indian Government’s commitment to serving the people and uplifting the nation through various schemes and initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness among media personnel and government officials alike.

Press Club Of Sikkim honour three Journalist on 21st Foundation Day

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Press Club of Sikkim 21 foundation day

The Senior Journalist from Sikkim Shri Rajendra Pradhan has been conferred with the ’17th Kanchenjunga Kalam Puraskar 2023′, on the occasion of the 21st Press Club of Sikkim foundation ceremony held at Manan Kendra, here today.

Similarly, the Laganshil Yuva Patrakar Puraskar 2023 was awarded to journalist young Journalist Isabella Gurung of Sikkim Express. PCS also felicitated Varishtha Patrakar Samman 2023 to veteran journalist Radha Pradhan.

The award was presented by the hand of Arun Upreti, Speaker SLA in the presence of Power Minister, Shri M.N. Sherpa, as guest of honour. Other dignitaries, journalists from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other invited guests.

Press Club of Sikkim also honoured two “UNSUNG HERO” Shri Mahendra Dhakal in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote chess in Sikkim and environmentalist and Smt Priyadarshinee Shreshtra in recognition of her tireless efforts towards ‘zero waste Himalaya’, reducing plastic pollution and environment protection.

Chief Minister of Sikkim who was on official tours to Delhi and Uttarakhand could not attend as Chief Guest of the event, instead Shri Upreti reiterated the Chief Minister’s acknowledgement of the Press fraternity’s role in State building.

In honour of the 21st formation day of the Press Club, the State government made some key announcements:

  1. Allotment order for the Press Club Bhawan at MP Golai, Tadong was issued. This has been a long long pending demand of the press fraternity.
  2. One ‘Traveller’ vehicle as logistical support to the Press Club was handed over.
  3. The Annual cash awards to journalists excelling in various fields have been enhanced.
    Apart from these, the State government has been extending all possible medical support to members and member families of the Press Club of Sikkim.
    Also, exposure trips and various other skill enhancement programmes are also being envisioned by the State government.

The event also had Advisor, IPR Department, Shri Birendra Tamling, Advisor IT Department, Shri Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, Chairperson, Film Board, Smt. Pooja Sharma, Press Advisor to HCM, Shri C.P. Sharma, IPR Secretary, Ms Namrata Thapa, Secretary Tourism, Shri. Prakash Chettri as the resource person.

A cultural event by the members of PCS also followed during the celebration with dance and poem recites.

Massive protest in Sikkim over 21-yr-old student leader’s death

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Protest In Namchi for Padam Gurung

People gather to protest outside South Sikkim’s Namchi regarding the death of a student leader late Padam Gurung who was found dead by a local nearby drain in Namchi’s Kazitar area on June 28. 

A huge crowd was seen gathered in Sikkim’s Namchi on Friday to protest the death of a Student leader who was found in a drainage on the 28th of June morning at 4:30 AM near the Kazitar area of Namchi. Till now no one has been arrested in connection with the case which caused massive protests demanding Justice for the late student’s leader. People were seen holding a demonstration outside the police station and demanding justice for the Late Padam Gurung.

On July 14 afternoon, protesters led by the All Sikkim Gurung and Tamu Association staged a strong protest in Namchi demanding Justice for Late Padam Gurung, they also blocked the highway for several hours which was later controlled by local Police. 

Protestors were seen carrying a poster and shouting “Justice for Padam Gurung”. Padam Gurung’s family members and some representatives from the Gurung and Tamu community joined the protest joined by the large local community. 

Anger over slow investigation case by police, In one video statement they said, they have declared a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to anyone who’s willing to provide evidence and information to them. Gurung Member also questioned the police’s investigation into the case, while Namchi Police have appealed to anyone with information and evidence about the late Gurung’s case to come forward and tell them.

Last day, Sikkim Chief Minister PS Golay visited Padam Gurung’s family and said his government to conduct an independent judicial inquiry. Addressing a Family member in Perbing, south Sikkim, he said: “ The panel will submit a report to the state government within one month.”

His family members including his elder brother Prem Kumar Gurung who was seen in protest have alleged that his brother was murdered. 

On 28th June 2023, a body was found in Kazitar Drainage, which also led to suspicion among the public that he was murdered. The police have so far maintained that the case appears to be swept by the overflowing drainage due to heavy rainfall on June 27 night. The victim’s family has alleged that he was murdered. “It was not at all an accident. What sort of accident is this when this small-sized drainage can sweep away my brother? We want a complete investigation,” his Brother Prem Kumar Gurung, said while staging on Protest in Namchi. 

Road Minister visit landslide area in Byepass

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Samdup lepcha visist landslide area

Road& Bridge Minister Samdup Lepcha visited the Byepass Road landslide spot on Friday. He Inspected a landslide in Bypass and instructed the department to work 24 hours and restore the road.

The minister interacted with the department team working at ground zero. He said that the rescue team is working tireless and doing every possible effort to restore the road which is also the main connectivity to the city’s largest Hospital.

On the 14th of July Morning, a heavy downpour caused a landslide in the Bye pass near Arithang Fatak which cause road connectivity towards Sochaygang Hospital.

During, the visit Minister directed the department officials to look for the necessary and immediate measures to restore the road and also instructed that good quality work should be done to prevent further incidents.

He further stated that the road will be restored with in four days.

Since the last two days heavy rain has triggered multiple landslides in Sikkim and snapped several roads in Mangan district.

Some Minor landslides also occurred along the JN Road that connects popular destinations like Changu) Lake, Nathu-la and Baba Mandir with Gangtok.

Chief Minister of Sikkim inaugurated the Centre for Excellence in Majhitar

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Center of Excellent in Sikkim

The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr. Prem Singh Tamang, inaugurated the Centre for Excellence, Club House, Rain Water Reservoir, and Cafe Offside of the Sikkim Cricket Association at the Sikkim Cricket Ground, Rangpo, today.

The Centre for Excellence is a state-of-the-art facility established by the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) with the vision of creating future cricket stars in the region. This centre will provide young and promising cricketers with access to top-notch infrastructure, training facilities, sports science support, and comprehensive supervision from experienced coaches and support staff. The aim is to groom talented individuals and equip them with the necessary skills and guidance to excel in the sport.

He also congratulated the Sikkim Cricket Association and its players on this momentous occasion during his address. He expressed his deep interest in sports and emphasised the importance of encouraging students to participate in cricket and other sports. The Chief Minister commended SICA’s efforts in establishing the centre and spoke about the association’s history and formation.

HCM further addressed the Sikkim Cricket Association’s (SICA) progression and its affiliation with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He emphasised that membership in the BCCI has opened doors to numerous opportunities for Sikkimese cricketers. He encouraged players to pursue their dreams and assured them that the government would provide the necessary assistance and opportunities to help them grow and succeed in the sport. The government is committed to nurturing talent and ensuring that no capable individual is left behind due to financial constraints.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the Chief Minister Scholarship Programmes, which aim to help and assist eligible Sikkim students financially.

Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. Kunga Nima Lepcha, who commended the work done by SICA and highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing young talent in Sikkim, He expressed his appreciation for SICA’s efforts in creating a thriving cricket culture in Sikkim.

He acknowledged the association’s role in promoting inclusivity by providing opportunities for female cricketers to showcase their talent. The minister extended his gratitude to SICA for opening doors and providing a platform for women to excel in the sport.

He also underlined the value of youngsters balancing their involvement in athletics and academics. He urged young people to think about pursuing professions in sports and cricket in addition to their academic endeavours. The Minister stressed that sports not only contribute to physical well-being but also instill discipline, teamwork, and determination in individuals.

The Sikkim Cricket Association’s report was presented during the programme by Mr. Tika Subba, President of SICA, who expressed gratitude to the HCM for his unwavering support and for gracing the event. He noted the impressive development made by SICA, adding that the organisation effectively executed and carried out 170 matches.

Mr. Subba also stressed that SICA has been committed to ensuring that these matches are played exclusively by local players, thereby providing a platform for the growth and recognition of Sikkimese talent.

Following the presentation of the SICA report, Mr. K.C. Sharma, Chairman of the Technical Committee, presented a technical report highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the association. He credited the HCM for his visionary leadership and emphasised that it was under his guidance that the Centre for Excellence was established. He also commended the efforts of SICA in providing top-notch training facilities and infrastructure to nurture young cricketers and develop their skills.

Along with the inauguration, mementos and certificates of appreciation were presented to distinguished sports individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the realm of cricket.

[Input – IPR]

Helicopter crash near Mount Everest, Five killed

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Five people were killed when a helicopter crashed soon after take-off near Mount Everest on Tuesday afternoon. 

Helicopter was heading for the capital Kathmandu from near Lukla with Mexican tourist, the gateway for climbing expeditions to the world’s highest peak, but lost contact about 10 minutes after taking off at 10:04 am, according to the sources. 

Five bodies have been recovered from the accident site of a helicopter carrying six people that crashed in hilly terrain in eastern Nepal.

Nepal is notorious for its poor aviation safety, and the latest incident comes six months after a plane crash in the country’s west that killed all 72 people on board.

The District Administration Office of Solukhumbu has officially confirmed the discovery of the bodies of all six individuals.

The weather can also change quickly in the mountains, creating treacherous flying conditions.

Nepal’s aviation sector has also been plagued by insufficient training and maintenance.

The European Union has banned all Nepali carriers from its airspace over safety concerns.

Purely Personal Event House Launch With Unforgettable Gateway ‘CHORDS’ In West Sikkim

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Purely Personal Event House, a haven for personalized and extraordinary experiences, hosted an unforgettable musical getaway on 8th July, 2023 at ManderineVillage Resort, Kaluk, West Sikkim. Chords, the inaugural event, brought together music enthusiasts and guests from all corners of the state for a day filled with soulful performances, an open mic session, and an evening of dancing and delectable dining.

The official launch of the Purely Personal Event House marked the beginning of a new era in intimate gatherings and bespoke events. Co-founded by three enthusiasts, Mr Sulabh Gurung, Mr. Diwash Kapil Chettri and Mr Sabin Pandey, the event house seeks to organise and host customised events as per the need and nature of the guests.

The evening unfolded with a vibrant open mic session followed by the acoustic performances. The Classical Duo, Dinesh and Nimesh Dahal, mesmerized with their captivating melodies, while Deepanjali K. Chettri’s soulful voice resonated deeply within the hearts of all who listened. Basant Nepal’s captivating performance left the audience in awe, and Smaran Gurung from Civilian Unrest closed the evening with an electrifying set that left the crowd craving for more.

The festivities continued into the night with the lively theme “Dancing Your Worries Away.” Guests surrendered to the rhythm, danced to their heart’s content, and indulged in a delectable dinner served at their respective rooms and restaurant. 

Purely Personal Event House and its organizing team would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the incredible artists, esteemed guests, and everyone involved in making this event an extraordinary success. Chords served as a testament to the power of music and togetherness, creating cherished memories that will resonate for a lifetime.