Sikkim Update

29/01/2025

29/01/2025

National Symposium on ‘Threads of Heritage’ Inaugurated at CPGSAS, Barapani

Umiam, Meghalaya – January 28, 2025 – The College of Community Science, CAU Imphal, in collaboration with ICAR institutes and Deendayal Research Institute, inaugurated a three-day National Symposium on ‘Threads of Heritage: Exploring Textiles and Natural Fibres’ at CPGSAS, Barapani. The event, from January 27-29, 2025, aims to highlight India’s textile heritage and promote sustainable innovations in the sector.

The inaugural session was graced by Meghalaya CM Shri Conrad K. Sangma, who emphasized preserving indigenous textiles and sustainable practices. MLA Smt. Archana Chitnis commended the efforts in promoting traditional textiles, while Shri Atul Jain, General Secretary of Deendayal Research Institute, reflected on the importance of indigenous knowledge.

Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, stressed the untapped potential of Northeast India’s natural fibers like banana pseudostems, ramie, jute, and pineapple leaf fibers for eco-fashion and technical textiles.

Several artisans from across the Northeast were felicitated for their contributions to traditional textile arts. Additionally, four Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Meghalaya and Nagaland were honored for their efforts in preserving traditional cotton farming and textile production.

The symposium serves as a vital platform for researchers, artisans, and industry experts to discuss innovations in textiles, sustainable fabric development, and the socio-economic impact of textiles on indigenous communities.

29/01/2025

Stampede at Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj: 15 Dead, Several Injured

Prayagraj, Jan 29, 2025 – A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj during the early hours of Wednesday has claimed at least 15 lives, with many more injured, according to a doctor at the festival who spoke anonymously to the media.

The incident occurred around 1:30 AM at the Sangam Ghat, where tens of thousands of devotees had gathered for the sacred Mauni Amavasya ‘Shahi Snan’ (holy dip). Overcrowding at the Triveni Sangam led to panic, resulting in a fatal crush.

Casualties and Response

According to a Bhaskar reporter at Swaroop Rani Hospital, 14 bodies have already been brought in for post-mortem. However, the administration has yet to release an official casualty count. Over 70 ambulances were deployed to transport the injured and deceased to hospitals.

Following the incident, all 13 Akharas canceled the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan upon the administration’s request. Akhara Parishad President Ravindra Puri stated that the decision was taken to prevent further chaos at the Sangam Nose area.

Cause of the Stampede

Preliminary reports suggest that the stampede was triggered by rumors, leading to panic. Witnesses claim some women fell to the ground, and in the ensuing rush, they were trampled. The administration has launched an investigation into the incident.

Security Measures Intensified

In response, NSG commandos have taken charge at the Sangam Ghat, and public entry to the Sangam Nose area has been restricted. Authorities in neighboring districts have been deployed to manage the influx of devotees into Prayagraj.

Over 60,000 security personnel have been stationed across the city to ensure safety, as today marks one of the most significant bathing rituals of the Mahakumbh. Officials estimate that 80 to 100 million devotees are expected to take a dip at the 44 designated ghats, including the Sangam, by the end of the day.

Official Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the situation. Meanwhile, officials urge pilgrims to remain calm and follow safety guidelines as investigations continue.

Background

On Tuesday, over 55 million devotees had participated in the holy dip at the Sangam, marking one of the largest gatherings of this year’s Kumbh Mela. The incident has raised concerns over crowd management and safety measures at the festival.

28/01/2025

Press Release
Date : 28th January, 2025

4th Edition of SKM Legislators’ Meeting Held at Samman Bhawan, Gangtok

The 4th edition of the SKM legislators’ meeting was successfully conducted at Samman Bhawan, Gangtok under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Party President and Chief Minister, Shri P.S. Golay. The meeting witnessed the participation of SKM party legislators, Advisors to the HCM, Political Secretaries, OSD and Press Secretary to the HCM.

The meeting began with a ceremonial khada-arpan by the party’s Chief Coordinator and Minister Shri Sonam Lama to the Hon’ble Party President, followed by a welcome address delivered by the Secretary General and Minister Shri Arun Upreti.

During the meeting,Hon’ble Chief Minister outlined the agenda and emphasized the need for a grand celebration of the upcoming 13th Foundation Day of the SKM party in all constituencies. He urged the members to highlight the party’s achievements and communicate the government’s developmental work effectively to the people of Sikkim during the celebrations.

Among the key issues discussed was the unnecessary entry of impermissible individuals into villages and towns, which has raised concerns. It was decided to strictly monitor the registration of manpower arriving from outside the state and to implement a temporary work permit system at every GPU level. This measure is aimed at safeguarding local interests while ensuring systematic management of external workforce deployment.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister also addressed the issue of illegal subletting of trade licenses and stressed the government’s commitment to eradicating this practice. The focus will instead shift toward enhancing local skill development and manpower utilization, ensuring that employment opportunities primarily benefit the people of Sikkim.

A significant emphasis was placed on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene across the state. The HCM urged all officials and departments to ensure that not only public spaces but also government offices maintain high standards of cleanliness. He highlighted the importance of keeping Sikkim clean as part of the government’s broader developmental vision.

The meeting also discussed the constitution of a State Planning and Development Board along with sister boards at the constituency level. The state-level board will focus on financial planning, monitoring, and development, while nine-member constituency-level committees will oversee development and planning activities within their respective areas.

In addition, the Hon’ble Chief Minister informed the members about his upcoming pilgrimage tour to Mahakumbh, scheduled for 7th February 2025, where he will lead a delegation of legislators. The pilgrimage has been arranged following an invitation extended by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath.

Several other critical issues were also discussed during the meeting, including LT seat reservation, the visit of HH Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorjee to Sikkim and the upcoming delimitation exercise.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister assured the house that the party’s organizational structural appointments would soon be carried out to strengthen its functioning. He also appealed to all MLAs to work tirelessly for the people of Sikkim and to ensure that the government’s developmental initiatives reach every corner of the state.

The meeting concluded with the members reaffirming their commitment to advancing Sikkim’s development under the dynamic leadership of Shri P.S. Golay, working together to fulfill the aspirations of the people.

Kavita Sapkota,
Spokesperson
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha

28/01/2025

प्रेस विज्ञप्ति
सिटिजन एक्सन पार्टी- सिक्किम।

पचास वर्ष अघि गरीब किसानले थुन्सेमा गुन्द्रुक, छुर्पी, तरूल, साग सब्जी बोकेर बजार लगेर पसल फिजाइ दुईचार पैसा घर ल्याउने गर्थे भने आज पचास वर्ष पछि एउटी गरीब आमाले डोकोमा सागसब्जी लगेर बजारमा पसल थाप्ने अनुमति पाइनन्। पचास साल अघि घरमा ढिकुटी भरि धान हुन्थ्यो, भकारीमा दाल, माना पाथी खाली राख्नु नहुने, मस्याम गहत, तोरी, फापर, कोदो, मकै सबै ठ्याम्मै कोठा भरि भरि हुनेगर्थ्यो। पैसा भनेको नुन किन्न चाहिन्छ, बिमार हुँदा चाहिन्छ भन्ने गर्थे बाजे बोजु। आज पचास वर्ष पछि पाथी भर्ने चामल छैन मानो भर्ने दाल छैन। मकै कोदो एग्जिबिसनमा सजाउन राखिन्छ। गाउँघर चहारेर खोजेको सागसब्जी बजारमा खुल्ला पसल थापेर बेच्न पाइँदैन, नबेचि घरमा चुला जल्दैन। बिना पैसा घर चल्न त छोडौं भाडा नतिरी कोठा पस्न पाइँदैन।
पेट भर्न ठालुको चाप्लुसी नगरे धर छैन, अधिकार नौ हजारमा सरकारलाई बन्धकी राखेर हात जोड्दै तलब माग्नुपर्ने अवस्था छ एक गरीबको अनि डाइस फुट्नेगरि ठोक्दै बडो स्वरमा कराउँछन् नेताज्यु "म च्याप्छु भने गरीबलाई मात्र च्याप्छु.." भनेर ।

गेजिङ जिल्लाकी जैविक साग सब्जी बेचेर जिवीका चलाउँदै गर्ने दुई आमाको दु:ख उहाँहरूको काम्दै गरेका ओठ अनि रसाएका आँखाले बोल्दै थियो। वर्षौं अघिदेखि गर्दै आउनुभएको सब्जी दोकान प्रशासनले कोविड कालदेखि तोकिएको जग्गामा सारेदेखि व्यापार ठप्प भएर एक एक गर्दै सबै दोकाने पलायन हुँदा अनि एउटैपनि ग्राहक नआउँदा पेट पाल्न, लोन तिर्न, घर भाडा तिर्न साह्रै मुस्किल परेकोले सडकमा दोकान सारेर गुजारा गर्दै गरेका दुई आमालाई प्रशासन साथै बिभागका अधिकारीद्वारा अचानक हटाइँदा आज मिडिया गुहारेर आफ्नो दु:ख पोख्न बाध्य बनेका हुन। यी गरीब आमाहरूले गुजारा गर्न जैविक सब्जी पसल चलाउने उचित ठाउँ प्रदान गर्न नसक्नु प्रशासन साथै विभागको कमजोरी हो।

हो सडक दोकान चलाउने उचित जग्गा नहुन सक्छ तर सठिक व्यवस्था नगरी, दोकान चल्ने ठाउँ प्रदान नगरी एक गरीबलाई धम्क्याउँदै सिडि नभएको चल्दै नचल्ने ठाउँमा लखेट्नु जिम्मेवार प्रशासन साथै सरकारको पहिचान पटक्कै होइन।घर नचल्नुको दु:ख, घर भाडा तिर्न नस्कनुको कष्ट आधा पेट खाएर गुजारा गर्नुको पिडा सरकारमा रहेका नेता लगायत ठुला कर्मचारीहरूले महसुस गर्न सक्नुपर्छ। पाँच वर्षमा बीस हजार दिएर आमाको निम्ति धेरै गर्यौं भन्दै ढोल पिट्नुको सट्टा यी आफैं गरिखाने गरीब आमाहरूको दु:ख निवारण गर्नसके धेरै घर सहजै चल्ने थियो। यी दुई आमाले हिम्मत गरेर मिडिया अघि आफ्नो कुरा राख्न सके तर आज राज्यभरि हजारौं, लाखौं आमाहरु आफ्नै अमिलो आँसु पिइरहेका छ्न, जनताको घरमा नुन छैन सत्ताका नाइकेहरु र उनका परिवारहरु सुन किन्ने प्रतिष्पर्धामा छ्न ।यस्ता कति आमा भित्रभित्रै रोइरहेका होलान जो न मिडियामा आएर आफ्नो कुरा राख्न सक्छन् न सरकार अघि खुलेर बोल्न नै।

सरकारले अब मनोरञ्जनबाट ध्यान हटाएर यी जटिल विषयहरूमा समय दिनुपर्छ। यस्तै पिडाले आज राज्यमा आत्मा हत्याको संख्या दिनदिनै बढ्दैछ । यो आकाश छुँदो महंगाइमा नागरिकलाई गरिखान सहज परिवेश तयार पार्ने प्रमुख जिम्मेवारी सरकारको हो र सरकार यस्ता विषयमा गम्भीर हुनुपर्छ।
सिटिजन एक्सन पार्टी- सिक्किमले वर्तमान सरकारको चरीत्रबारे पटकपटक जनतालाई सचेत गराएको हो तर जनतालाइ जनसेवाको झाँसा दिएर सत्तामा आएको एस.के.एम पार्टी एक पल्ट ढाँट्न सफल भयो ।जनताको पैसामा नाचगान गर्न र लुगा फेर्नदेखि फुर्सद निकालेर यी आमाहरू लगायत यस्ता अनेकौं खटिखाने मेहनती आमाबाबुको जटिल समस्यालाई चाँडोभन्दा चाँडो समाधान गर्ने सुझाव राख्द छ ।तर सत्य यो हो कि, श्रमजीवी खटिखाने मानिसहरु संगठीत भएर अघि आउँदैनन् तबसम्म निरंकुश सत्ताको दादागिरी चलिरहन्छ।
त्यसकारण आम जनताले आफ्नो मित्र शक्ति र आफ्ना दुश्मनहरु चिन्नुपर्छ। प्रजातन्त्रमा प्रत्येक पाँच वर्षमा सरकार फेर्ने जनतासँग अधिकार हुन्छ, त्यो अधिकार पूर्ण सचेतताका साथ प्रयोग गर्नुपर्छ । यहाँ मन्त्री र मुख्यमन्त्रीहरु अनि उनका भारदारहरु मन हाम्रो खुशी छ भन्दै नाचिरहेका छन् भने जनता अनेकौं पीडा र दु:खमा छ्ट्पटिएर रोइरहेका छ्न ।

यो अवस्था फेर्ने अधिकार तपाईकै हातमा छ आमा!
म यति नै भन्छु ।

बिना शर्मा,
अध्यक्ष, महिला परिषद्,
सिटिजन एक्सन पार्टी, सिक्किम

28/01/2025

Big cheers for Joseph Sharma, many Many congratulations for the title of Yamaha Himalaya Roadies Season 6.

28/01/2025

Radha Soami Satsang Beas Event in Sikkim Cancelled: Babaji’s Helicopter Unable to Take Off Due to Bad Weather; New Date to Be Announced Soon

28/01/2025

Radha Soami Satsang Beas Event in Sikkim Cancelled: Babaji’s Helicopter Unable to Take Off Due to Bad Weather; New Date to Be Announced Soon

28/01/2025

Joint Press Release
Passang Sherpa, Spokesperson, BJP Sikkim, and Niren Bhandari, Media Incharge, BJP Sikkim

Gangtok, January 28, 2025

Strong Opposition to Environment Ministry’s Reckless Approval of Teesta-III Dam Proposal

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the hasty clearance granted by the Environment Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for the reconstruction of the Teesta-III dam under the guise of ‘expansion or modernisation.’ This approval not only disregards Sikkim’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem but also raises serious concerns about the safety of its people, given the catastrophic events of October 2023.

The South Lhonak glacial lake burst on October 4, 2023, unleashed a devastating flood that took 40 lives, destroyed infrastructure, and washed away the Teesta-III dam. This tragedy was the direct result of insufficient spillway capacity and the failure to account for glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks. Despite this, the EAC has approved the proposal for a new concrete gravity dam without ensuring the completion of critical studies, including a revised Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) assessment, as required by the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Most alarmingly, the decision to bypass a fresh public hearing is an affront to democratic principles and the rights of Sikkim’s people. The reliance on a public hearing from 2006—a period that predates both the climate crisis and the October 2023 disaster—disregards the current realities and risks faced by our state. This blatant oversight is unacceptable.

While the proposed dam design claims to enhance spillway capacity from 7,000 cumec to 19,946 cumec, independent experts and stakeholders have highlighted the absence of fresh, credible data to validate these claims. The EAC itself acknowledged the risks posed by upstream glacial lakes but failed to act decisively by insisting on updated environmental and hydrological assessments.

We, therefore, demand:

1. Immediate Withdrawal of Project Clearance: The EAC must revoke its approval until all pending technical studies, including revised PMF assessments, are completed and independently reviewed.

2. Fresh Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A comprehensive EIA must be conducted, considering updated data on rainfall, GLOF risks, and Sikkim’s unique ecological sensitivities.

3. New Public Hearing: A fresh public consultation is essential to ensure that the voices of affected communities are heard and their concerns addressed.

4. Adherence to Sikkim’s Constitutional Safeguards: The Central Government must honor Article 371F and prioritize Sikkim’s ecological balance, safety, and cultural heritage over corporate interests.

Sikkim’s development must never come at the cost of its people’s safety or its fragile environment. We reiterate that the October 2023 disaster is a grim reminder of the consequences of ignoring science and local wisdom in infrastructure planning. The decisions made today will determine the future of Sikkim, and it is imperative that these decisions are rooted in responsibility, accountability, and sustainability.

We call upon all sections of Sikkimese society—political leaders, social organizations, environmental activists, and concerned citizens—to come together in united opposition against this reckless move. Protecting Sikkim’s fragile ecology and the safety of its people is our shared responsibility, and we must stand united to ensure that our voices are heard and our homeland safeguarded.

Issued by:
Passang Sherpa
Spokesperson, BJP Sikkim

Niren Bhandari
Media Incharge, BJP Sikkim

28/01/2025

Teesta-III Dam Reconstruction in Sikkim Approved Amid Controversy Over Public Hearing Exemption

The Environment Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has granted approval for the reconstruction of the Teesta-III dam in Sikkim, more than a year after the catastrophic flood triggered by the South Lhonak glacial lake outburst in October 2023. This disaster led to the loss of 40 lives, left many missing, and impacted over 100 villages.

The new dam, designed as a 118.64-meter-high concrete gravity structure, will replace the original rockfill dam destroyed in the flood. Sikkim Urja Limited, the project operator, plans to significantly increase the spillway’s capacity to handle extreme flood scenarios, raising it from 7,000 cumecs to nearly 20,000 cumecs.

However, concerns regarding the dam’s safety and design persist. A December 2024 site visit by an EAC sub-committee highlighted the need for updated flood risk studies and additional safety measures, including early warning systems and monitoring of glacial lakes and landslide-prone areas. Despite these concerns, the EAC approved the project without holding a new public hearing, arguing that no new land acquisition or displacement is involved. This decision, coming more than 15 years after the last public consultation in 2006, has drawn criticism from environmentalists and local communities.

The reconstruction will be managed by Sikkim Urja, now majority-owned by the Greenko Group.

28/01/2025

Press Release
Date: January 28, 2025

MP Lok Sabha Indra Hang S***a Welcomes Decision to Resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025

On behalf of the people of Sikkim and particularly the devotees and believers, MP Lok Sabha Indra Hang S***a extends heartfelt appreciation and support for the Government of India's decision to resume the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025. This landmark decision, announced following discussions between Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, is a testament to the commitment towards fostering spiritual, cultural, and bilateral connections between India and China.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds profound significance for millions of pilgrims, symbolizing peace, devotion, and spiritual fulfilment. He says its resumption, especially with potential access via the Nathula Pass in East Sikkim, is a momentous step that will make the pilgrimage more accessible to devotees.

Shri S***a also expressed hope that the two nations will consider reopening the Nathula trade route alongside the Yatra. This move would not only improve the infrastructure for pilgrims but also create trade opportunities, boost the local economy, and foster stronger economic cooperation between India and China.

Hon'ble MP Lok Sabha Shri Indra Hang S***a welcomes this positive development and expresses hope that it will lead to greater mutual trust and understanding between India and China. He reaffirms his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote harmony, cooperation, and goodwill in the region.

Shri S***a also extends his gratitude to all stakeholders working to make this vision a reality and assures the people of Sikkim of his dedicated efforts in ensuring their interests are represented in this historic endeavour

28/01/2025

Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol 2007 winner, shines as Sniper Daniel in Paatal Lok 2. A proud moment for the Nepali-speaking community.

27/01/2025

Big cheers for Joseph Sharma, Another star from Sikkim shines bright as he takes home the title of Yamaha Himalaya Roadies Season 6. Proud moment for Sikkim—proving yet again that the hills produce champions!

27/01/2025

Dhan Devi Sharma from Lotus Village, Gayzing, and Juna Gurung from Pandey Colony, Gayzing, express their grievances over the relocation of their shops from Gayzing Bazaar (opposite the Municipal Office) to the terrace of the Supermarket in Gayzing.

27/01/2025

News Bulletins | Sikkim Update | 27/1/25

27/01/2025

Parsuram Chettri, an entrepreneur and Ayurveda practitioner, was felicitated on the 76th Republic Day celebration for his exceptional contributions. This honor was bestowed upon him by Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly MN Sherpa at an event organized by the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Yuksam.

27/01/2025

Press release | United Riders of Sikkim

United Riders of Sikkim: Riding for a Cause

We, the United Riders of Sikkim, proudly call Singtam our base and are a beginner riders’ club established in 2024. Guided by our motto, “Ride for Cause,” we are committed to undertaking meaningful initiatives that contribute to society.

On 26th January 2025, we embarked on our very first cause-driven ride by organizing a cleanliness drive at Tarey Bhir, South Sikkim. During this event, we cleaned the surrounding areas, symbolizing our dedication to making a difference through action.

With this initiative, we aim to inspire the youth of Sikkim to join us in riding for a cause. Together, we can contribute to the betterment of our community and environment, ensuring a brighter, cleaner future for all.

We sincerely thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, for his visionary Swachh Bharat, Swachh Sikkim mission, which motivated us to align our efforts with this noble cause.

Our ultimate goal is to make Sikkim a clean, green, and plastic-free state through collective actions. Let’s unite and ride together for a sustainable and better tomorrow!

Ride with purpose. Ride for a cause.
- United Riders of Sikkim