Water Trouble in Darjeeling

Darjeeling: R esidents of the hill town, including school students, joined the apolitical Nagarik Sangraksha Samiti and took to the streets today, demanding a permanent solution to the perennial water scarcity here. The rally, which started from Chowrastha here, meandered through the town before ending in front of the office of the district magistrate (DM). On reaching there, when the citizens found that DM Rajesh Pandey was out of station, they alleged that he was “running away from addressing the problem”. Trouble started when additional district magistrate Shyamal Kumar Bhattacharya offered to discuss the matter. A source said the team initially refused to have the meeting with him, saying language would be a problem. When Bhattacharya told the rallyists that they could talk it out in Hindi, the Samiti members reportedly demanded that he should learn Nepali as it was the official language recognised by the state and also incorporated in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution. “If Nepali officers have to learn Bengali to serve in other parts of the state, those posted in Darjeeling should know Nepali as well,” said G.S. Yonzone, a member of the team.
Finally, when they agreed to have the meeting, the residents alleged that the authorities “were not sincere about solving the problem”. However, when the ADM asked for suggestions, Kiran Thakuri, who led the team, said: “We have not come to suggest, but to see to it that the authorities supply water at any cost.” The meeting ended with one of the Samiti members calling up Pandey, who promised to convene a meeting at 12 noon on Sunday at his office, a source said. The assurance over the phone, however, did not seem to convince the swelling crowd outside the DM’s office. They demanded that Bhattacharya should confirm the appointment in writing, the source said. Even after the delegation came out with the letter, the crowd reportedly refused to leave. It was only after Bhattacharya talked to the residents that they dispersed, the source added. The Samiti, however, drew flak from the GNLF-affiliated Gorkha National Students’ Front, who claimed that the “apolitical” rally was being organised by the PDF. The students’ body also criticised the Samiti for including students in the rally. Thakuri, however, rubbished the allegation and said the one-month-old Samiti was apolitical. “We would be happy if political parties help us,” he said.In the evening, the town was plastered with posters signed by one Janata, alleging that Thakuri has built a house by encroaching on a jhora. “We request the municipality to dismantle the structure,” the poster stated.

Sikkim to host all india U-19 ODI tourney

Gangtok: The All India U-19 ODI Cricket Tournament is all set to begin at Sikkim Cricket Ground at Rangpo Mining and Jorethang on 12 th May,2007.
As per press release of Sikkim Cricket Association informs that the national level tournament will feature teams participation from Mumbai,Kolkatta, Delhi and Lucknow while the host Sikkim will field two teams for tournament.

Two dies accidently in Distilling Chamber Crater

DIKCHU: Parimal Roy, a 40 years old labourer of Jai Prakash Industries Ltd was found dead yesterday in the Distilling Chambers Tunnel here in Dikchu. It is informed that the deceased, a resident of Jalpaiguri District, had been missing since lunch time on May09 following which a search party of the Company was deployed to search him and finally recovered his dead body from distilling chamber tunnel on 10th May.
Distilling Chamber Tunnel is ready for use but has not been made operational yet.This tunnel is totally dark and unlit, and also has a huge crater inside it due to which Company has prohibited the entry of the people in the chamber.
It is believed that deceased probably died from a fall into crater. Unfortunately, when the search team were searching for him yesterday morning, 25 years old Kiran Rai also fell down into the same crater while trying to reach the victim's dead body.
Kiran Rai,resident of Bijanbari ,Darjeeling district also sustained grievous injuries due to the fall and was immediately rushed to Singtam Hospital.however, he succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital.
Both dead bodies have been sent for the post-mortem examination.The Sikkim Police is investigating the case and no foul play has been established yet.

Educational Cess On Sikkim Liquors & Beer

Gangtok:The Finance Department, Govt of Sikkim has notified the" sikkim educational cess on alcoholic beverages Act " and rules governing the same. As per the rules, Educational cess has been enforced on all Sikkim Liquors and Beers irrespective of their origin of manufacture starting 10th May' 2007 whether consumption for civil markets or defence units with in Sikkim.

The Educational Cess levied at the rate of Rs.2.70 per bulk litre and Rupees 1.60 per bulk litre on Beer.The Excise Department shall levy the cess and collect the same along with the Excise duties.

Tashi Tenzing : Grandson Of Tenzing Norgay

Everest 2007: The Summit Push is ON !

Tashi spent his childhood in Darjeeling, the famed British hill station and tea growing area. He attended St Paul's School - a private boarding school in the strict British tradition. He made himself quite a name in the outdoor education field, excelling at distance and sprint running, soccer, cricket, gymnastics, karate, hockey and horse-riding as well as in more artistic pursuits such as oil painting and batik.
Tashi then went on to the University of New Delhi to gain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. But his first love has always been the outdoors and, especially climbing. He was solely responsible for establishing the Delhi University Climbing Club and excelled at all the climbing and outdoor adventure course at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. This Institute was established by his grandfather, Tenzing Norgay, after Everest to offer professional climbing instruction to all Indian people. It now has a great tradition and a successful history of expeditions to the great Himalayan peaks. Tashi graduated from HMI as an instructor and still sometimes takes courses there as a guest Instructor.

But since leaving University Tashi has been almost solely employed in leading trekking and climbing trips in the Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, Kashmir, and Indian Himalaya. He has trekked widely in Nepal - especially the Everest area of course ! - in Kashmir and Ladakh and in the eastern Himalaya of Bhutan and Sikkim. Since his childhood he has emulated his grandfather's love of mountain exploration and he has managed to maintain this quest by researching and leading many new treks and expeditions. However the desire to climb Everest has always been in Tashi’s heart and his passion for this never waned. He knew one day his time would come. His elder brother, Sonam - a lawyer in Sydney - and elder sister, Yangzen – a teacher in Darjeeling - have not inherited Tenzing's love of climbing but they fully supported their younger brother's aspirations and had full confidence in his ability to maintain the family tradition.

In 1993 Tashi led the 40th Anniversary Everest Expedition to mark the 40th anniversary of the first successful expedition of his grandfather, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. At last his dream seemed in reach but it was also important to him for the sake of his Sherpa people who supported him to the fullest in this bid. His team were successful, getting two members to the summit on May 10th. Sadly Tashi's uncle and climbing partner, Lobsang Tshering, fell to his death on the descent from the summit. Tashi missed the summit by just 400m having to turn back with snow blindness.
Tenzing Norgay's grandson, Tashi Tenzing, presents one of the great stories of mountaineering, the 1st summitting of Everest, from the Sherpa point of view: how it affected Tenzing; how it affected Sherpa life. Featuring a captivating blend of text &historical & personal photos from private family collections, they provide a glimpse of a sheltered world few have experienced, & even fewer have seen ...
However on May 23rd 1997 Tashi at last succeeded in reaching the summit of Everest - his life's dream fulfilled and the road now clear to take on new adventures. In 1998/99 he spent 9 months working for the Australian Antarctic Division at Mawson Station in the Antarctic and now plans to add guiding in this icy wilderness to his travel work. Tashi is married to an Australian, Judy, whom he met in Nepal where they both worked as trekking guides. They have a son, Pasang Gyalpo, aged 11 and a daughter, Dechen Lhamu, aged 7 years.
Tashi is now a successful business owner, author and mountain climber. He motivates corporations and organizations with his knowledge of the work ethic, focus and determination of his people, the Sherpas of Mount Everest. Organizations around the world use his keen insight as guide for refocusing their staff to achieve the ultimate business goal, completion of the job at hand. From the sales staff to the boardroom, your organization can benefit from Tashi Tenzing's lessons from the mountain.

: Tashi Tenzing is returning to Everest!
Good to hear from you . All is well - Tashi Tenzing expeditions party is 2 person only - Ms Klara Polackova - she is climbing with me or I am guiding her this time to fulfil her dreams of Everest - She climbed Cho Oyu with me last year and she is ready to hit Everest . I am going for the last time to climb my beloved Chomolungma from the Tibet side and its important to me as my family and my sherpa community started their climbing career and today there the sherpas are the masters of Everest . And not the least this climb is dedicated to the Nepalese people that we have peace and stability and may the people of nepal enjoy the prosperity and good future in the new govt. After so many years of un rest.
We leave for Lhasa tomorrow and will be spending about 6 days to acclimatised and then will be in base camp around 14 April and will start climbing from ABC about the 26 of April .
Will keep up posted from Lhasa. Tashi
Tashi was born in Darjeeling, India on 30 November, 1965 - youngest son of Pem Pem who is Tenzing Norgay's eldest daughter. Tenzing, with Sir Edmund Hillary, made the first ascent of Everest on 29th May 1953. Tashi's mother is also a climber. She was a member of the 1959 International Women's Expedition to Cho Oyu, in Nepal - the 7th highest mountain in the world - an expedition which ended tragically in the death of two climbers.

Sikkim School Named After Ram Jethmalani

Gangtok: K akuthang School at Bhajyang-Kakuthang Gram Panchayat Unit of Rinchenpong constituency in West Sikkim has been renamed as
" Ram Jethmalani School".

The school was renamed as a mark of gratitude towards veteran Lawyer activist and RajyaSabha MP, Ram Jethmalani, who contributed Rs.50 lakhs from his MP fund to develop it as a model school.


Mr. Jethmalani had visited the school during his visit to West Sikkim on April 14,2007.

SIKKIM SNIPPETS

• The state government has constituted two new committees, a12 members state level committee and a 10 membersDistrict Level Committee to facilate coordination between various agencies & Govt. departments with aim to ensure that developmental projects progress as per schedule.
• Swami Sri Sri Ganapati Sachidananda of Mysore is scheduled to arrive on Sikkim for 3 days visit beginning May 11,2007 ,today.
• SSA Footballers corner sports quota vacancies in Indian Navy by bagging 3 out of 4.
• Gangtok facelift plans link the issuing and renewal of trade license to sanitation consciousness especially for M.G. Marg, Gangtok where drainage system is virtually non-existent.

SINGAPORE URBAN PLAN PROPOSAL FOR GANGTOK

Gangtok: A four-member delegation of Building & Construction Authority (BAC) from Singapore headed by Kohilng-Ji, Director to Internal Operation Building and Construction Authority, made a presentation on urban plan for Gangtok city and eight other towns of Sikkim before the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at Samman Bhawan, Gangtok today.

The BCA is a statutory board under the auspices of Singapore's Ministry of National Development. It was established on 1 April 1999 as a result of the merger between the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the Building Control Division of the Public Works Department (PWD). The primary role of BCA is to develop and regulate Singapore's building and construction industry. BCA mission is "to develop an advanced and competitive construction industry".
Kohilng-Ji was accompanied by Deputy Centre Director Dr Liongshang Young, Vice President to Master Planning and Urban Design Loong Yee Mun and Director to South Asia RS Prakash.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had met the BAC team in Singapore during the former’s official tour to Singapore earlier in June 2006 and had made an understanding between the government of Sikkim and BAC Singapore to give shape to the small towns of Sikkim as world class townships.
The delegates suggested the Sikkim government to formulated a comprehensive report and submit a Detail Report on urban sector, forestry and environment. They also suggested that the report should reach them at Singapore within mid June this year so that they can be able to start their work by July 2007.
Organised by the UD&HD department of Sikkim government, the same was attended by Ministers RB Subba, Somnath Poudyal, SB Subedi, the Chief Secretary and Head of related departments accompanied by officers from UD&HD.
Earlier the programme started with welcome speech and keynote address by the Secretary to UD&HD and vote of thanks by Ms Devika Sharma (Chettri) Deputy Chief Architect to UD&HD, government of Sikkim.

Double lane Nathula road became cause of concern for environmentalists

Gangtok: With the increase of Nathula trade, the government has planned to broaden Nathula road into double lane. According to Border Road Organisation(BRO), The Gangtok-Nathula 64 km long road will be doubled lane by March 2009. Brigadier M.S.Pillai, Chief Engineer of BRO said, “A budget of Rs. 780 crores has earmarked for the project which is an enhancement of Rs. 480 crores compared to the announcement earlier.” Pillai further told that the road will be broadened in four phases. In phase one upto 27 km will be stretched from 17th mile to Sherathang; phase two from Sherathang to Nathula border, 5.6 km; phase three from Jawaharlal Nehru Marg to 5th mile, 9.9 Km and the last phase from 5mile to 27th mile, 24 kms. Regarding BRO’s next plan, Pillai said, the organization has taken in hand the further development of National Highway 31 from Ranipool to Gangtok which was already handed over to national Highway Authority of India under Improvement of Riding quality programme. He further said, a proposal to expand NH 31 up to Chungthang, North Sikkim is underway. If once it completed that will make the tourist easy and shorter to travel South district, he said. BRO has also taken the contract of preparation of Detailed Project Reports for improvement of five roads in West Sikkim. But the development of infrastructures such as the broadening of roads is equally becoming the cause of concern for environmentalists. According a green activist, such infrastructural progresses will definitely result in the development of state’s economy and industries but as well as that will equally effect to environment and wild animals. Of late in Dooars after becoming the broad-gauge line which goes through the Gorumara and Jaldapara wild life sanctuary more than five elephants have been killed in train accidents within a year, he said.

SHRP MARKS FIRST RALLY AT NAMCHI

NAMCHI: Namchi today witnessed the first ever anti-government mass rally with Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP) party. Thousands took to the roads voicing against monopolistic rule of the SDF government to the extent of inviting President’s rule in the state.
Slogans came up protesting the one-sided decisions and anti-poor activities of the state government. The rally was led by South district In-charge of SHRP Basant Kumar Rai and SHRP Vice President TP Thatal. The peaceful procession started from Tinzir in Namchi covering Namchi main market, Lal Market, New Super Market, District Administration Centre ending back at Tinzir before the resident of Basant Kumar Rai.
Before the rally set forth, a brief public meeting was held at Tinzin that commenced with hoisting of SHRP party flag. Addressing the congregation Basant Kumar Rai alleged corruption in Sikkim Democratic Front party. He said, “All income opportunities are set for the Chief Minister’s wife Ms Tika Maya Chamling and her sisters”.
Rai alleged all supplies are concentrated to the Chief Minister’s family. “Nayuma Tailoring House is supplying uniforms to all the schools and school bags. All supplies of computer and flowers are also reserved for Ms Chamling and the only export license holder of medicinal plants from the state is also Ms Tika Maya Chamling”, Basant Kumar Rai pointed out.
Addressing the gathering he further asserted that the state government is enjoying monopoly in cable connections in the state and LPG cylinder supplies are also set aside for relatives of the Chief Minister. “Almost half the budget of Sikkim is being spent among the relatives of the Chief Minister”, Rai lambasted adding that the SHRP is committed to fight against such monopolistic activities of SDF government.
TP Thatal on his part said the SHRP came into existence against the one handedness of the SDF party. “The SHRP is born of the public. It is born as a new political party to voice people’s demands and needs of the hour”, he said adding that in democracy public are the main element and decision makers. “We have framed our party programmes for people of Sikkim at large and in our governance, we guarantee employment to all unemployed youths according to their qualification”, Thatal said.
TP Thatal further pointed that presently the SDF government is pressurising and even threatening SHRP party workers. He also alleged that the SDF caders today reportedly compelled vehicle owners and drivers not to provide vehicles for the people coming to SHRP’s publics meeting, adding that they also pressurised petrol pump operators against supplying petrol and diesel to vehicles with SHRP flags
(sikkim express)

KALEZ VALLEY FEST UNVEILS WITH ETHNIC EXTRAVAGANZA

HEE BERMOIK: Amidst a customary and colourful note the three days long Kalez Valley Heritage Festival 2007 under Hee-Bermiok constituency was formally inaugurated today by PS Tamang, Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, government of Sikkim.
Organised by Hee-Bermiok Tourism Development & Heritage Conservation Society (HBTDHCS), the primary vision of the event at its third consecutive years is said to mark Hee-Bermiok an exemplary destination in the tourism map of Sikkim in hand with conservation of culture, tradition and heritage.
Infact, hardly any variation was noted at this year’s festival comparing last year except the venue. However, this year the festival has apparently expanded both the ways in terms of area as well in flow of the vacationers. Hee-Kyangbari will now be the permanent location for the festival every year. Nearly hundred foreign tourists in major from countries like Israel and USA are participating in this festival with high sprits.
Speaking at inaugural ceremony, the chief guest for the day PS Tamang remarked the endeavour of concerned area MLA NK Subba as noble, for bringing in laurel not only in his constituency but the state as well with unanticipated tourism boom.
“Tourism and sports activities have always been two sides of same the coin” Tamang said stating that tourism and sports are the primary focus areas to invite more tourists in Sikkim. He also highlighted the various sports activities that are in the pipelines.
Earlier a half-marathon from Bermiok 13th Mile to the festival site was organised covering a distance of 13 kms. The marathon witnessed spirited participation from 192 participants (107 males and 85 females). Amongst males Namphor Lepcha (DGHC), Roshan Manger (Namchi) and Kamal Kanwar (Hee-Bermiok) stood first, second and third respectively. Likewise Sita Remal of Katmandu bagged the first position followed by Binita Desar of Kathmandu and Son Maya Subba of Barthang as second and third respectively among the women.
Various traditional and cultural presentations followed by rocking performances of local bands in the evening formed a captivating part of the event today. The traditional stalls of different communities of Sikkim were also on display with delicious cuisines with lucrative exhibits.
The second day of the festival is likely to witness the inauguration of the newly constructed artificial lake ‘Chaya Tal’. Speaking to Sikkim Express today, TN Sharma President to HBTDHCS informed that the first phase of Chaya Tal was completed at a cost of Rs 36 lakhs.
The second phase will have other tourist infrastructure build ups as cafeteria, park, staff quarters, horse riding path, boating etc. Also an expansion of trek route from Hee Kyang Bari to Barsey (Rhododendron hub) taking in a distance of 23 kms is also under speedy preparation.
The construction of 65 feets tall statue of Srijunga (Limbo literary figure) at Gufa Dara is underway. The first Kanchendongza Mountain Biking Championship Sikkim 2007 is also said to be the major event of attraction this year is scheduled to be flagged off by Minister for Tourism RB Subba on 12 May.

Rs 5 lakh for antique Tibetan passport

T ibetan refugees in India have collected Rs 5 lakh to pay an antique dealer in Nepal, who had recently found Tibet's first passport lost 13 years ago."It was issued in 1947 by the independent Tibetan government in Lhasa to a top Tibetan diplomatic official, who was issued visas by several western countries, including Britain, the US, France and Switzerland," said said Tenzing Tsundue, general secretary of the Friends of Tibet (FOT), an NGO in Dharamsala.The passport bears stamps of these countries which issued visa to Tsepon Shakabpa, the then finance secretary (1930-50) to the Tibetan government."We have collected Rs 5 lakh from Tibetan refugees in India, and the money will be paid by draft to the Pemachuding monastery in Nepal, which had paid the money in advance to the antique dealer in Kathmandu," Tensing Tsundue, of FOT told Business Standard over telephone today."Finding this passport is significant, as it is an important historical record which shows that several countries of the world recognised Tibet as an independent country, and issued visas to the bearer of the passport Tsepon Shakabpa," said Lobsang Tsultrin, another senior official of the Tibetan government in exile."The passport issued to Shakabpa, the then secretary of finance(1930-50) by the Cabinet of Tibet, Lhasa on Oct 10, 1947 bears the official stamps of India, Britain, USA, Italy, Switzerland and France, who issued visas to him," claimed the official."The passport has been slightly damaged by silver fish, but bears the entire information including the stamps," he said.The document was lost from the home of Shakabpa after his death in the town of Kalimpong(northern Bengal) and made its way into Nepal.The document was recovered in Nepal from an antique dealer by the Friends of Tibet(India) who, for the past two years, have been collecting objects of historical importance belonging to independent Tibet, to showcase them in an exhibition called "Story of a nation: Independent, occupied and exiled Tibet."

UTI BANK TO INTRODUCE HOME BANKING TO SIKKIM

UTI Bank is all set to introduce home banking service and priority banking in Sikkim soon.Special attention will be given to depositors of Rs.1lakh by opening a separate counter at the new branch office at MG Marg.
Sunanda K.Mitra, president of UTI Bank's eastern region, said customers having a balance of more than Rs.1lakh will be entitled to home banking service.He added that the bank will also send the bank staff to the house to deliver money to women.
Of the 12 branches in the North-East, Sikkim has two branches with ATM facilities and within five years it has climbed to third in terms of deposits in the state after SBI and Central Bank. UTI's net profit last year was 35% and the current deposit ratio of 12% more than last year.Mitra said though the Sikkim branch gave an advance of 12 crores last year, another 80 crores has been invested in Sikkim by customers from outside the state and in Sikkim UTI Bank preferred personalized services for the customers with deposit insurance ,credit guarantee,cooperation,home banking,priority banking and a proposed drastic cut in service charges.

GANGTOK'S TENZING AT IIM AHMEDABAD

GANGTOK: He proved his fortitude, thereby demonstrated that boys from the hills can also compete and prove their mettle at all levels. Tenzing Loden Lepcha, a resident of Upper Sichey, Gangtok is now in focus making his way to India’s premier management school IIM Ahmedabad.
Tenzing Loden Lepcha completed his higher secondary from Holy Cross School, Tadong in 2001 and got admitted for Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication in Visveswaraya College of Engineering at Bangalore. After successful completion of bachelor’s degree, Tenzing was directly placed with Hewlett Packard (HP) in Chennai as a software engineer.
While in service Tenzing Loden Lepcha prepared himself for the Common Admission Test (CAT) in 2006 to get into a management schools of India. His preparation for CAT was under the guidance and coaching of TIME (Triumphant Institute of Management Education), a Chennai based institute that nurtures young talents and provides technical mentoring for its enrolled candidates.
Hard work and consistent preparation with confidence paid its dividends. By the end of April this year, when the IIM OBC quota issue was settled, the final IIM results were declared. “It was a tense and terrifying moment for me”, Tenzing opined, as out of almost 2,00,000 candidates appearing for the CAT exams, the results for the limited seats was a great suspense.
The final results were declared on 27 April and Tenzing qualified with his name appearing in the panel of successful candidates. Thereafter admission invitation letters started to trickle in from the management schools. Tenzing received invitation letters from all the six IIMs of India and has opted to join IIM Ahmedabad in Gujarat, considered the same as the top management schools in South Asia.
Tenzing Loden dreamt of excelling in management studies and substantiated his grit. He personified sincerity and honesty that never shuns the one who works hard. Tenzing Loden Lepcha voiced his thankfulness to all his well wishers, parents and specially the teachers from Holy Cross School who has embedded in him the confidence and knowledge to make it in life.

Sakewa Festival Celebrated In Grand Manner

Chief Minister Dr. Chamling and Mrs. Tikamaya extends their greetings on Sakewa

A large crowd gathered at Aritar Dalapchand on May 9, 2007 on the occasion of Sakewa, the great festival of Rai community of Sikkim which was celebrated in grand manner by Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh(AKRS), Sikkim. While addressing the mammoth gathering, Minister D.D. Bhutia,the Chief Guest of the occasion said that under the dynamic and able leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling, all the communities of Sikkim have been enjoying their full right and opportunity to preserve and development of their language and tradition. He further expressed his happiness over the performance of various cultural programme on the occasion by the artists and lauded their contribution towards the development of society and State. Minister Somnath Poudyel while addressing the gathering urged the people to live in harmony and highlighted the importance of Sakewa festival. Sakewa is a worship of nature, he added and urged all the people to keep the environment clean and green.
On the occasion, the senior social workers and writers like Shri C.D. Rai, an octogenarian senior citizen and journalist, Shri B.B. Rai, Rai language writer, Mr. Andrew Rai, social worker, Mrs. Krishna Maya Rai were felicitated by AKRS. They were given Pagari, (a kind of crown), citation and scarf or shawl for their valuable contribution towards the society. On the occasion, books, magazine and video cassette also were released by Chief Guest. A colourful and live cultural programme of Rai community was also performed by artist in glittering manner. The other dignitaries who were present on the occasion was Minister Mrs. Kalawati Subba, Minister K.N. Rai, Minister N.K. Subedhi, MLA K.B. Chamling, MLA Mrs. Manita Manger and others.All the members from four district attended the meeting. Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling and Mrs. Tika Maya Chamling have extended greetings to all on the occasion of Sakewa festival.

SIKKIM:Traveller's Guide

Sikkim Essential Traveller's information
RESTAURANTS :
Dragon's Restaurant, M.G. Road, Ph - 225057/224439Porky's Restaurant, Deorali Bazaar, Ph - 80702/80911Wild Orchid Restaurant, 31A National Highway, Ph - 202553/202105Oberoi's Barbeque, New Market, Ph - 224088Parivar Restaurant, Yam House, M.G. Road, Ph - 227409/224088Sher-e-Punjab, Arithang Road, Ph - 202823

PHOTOGRAPHERS/STUDIOS :
Orient Studio, M.G. Road, Ph - 224114Panorama Colour Lab, New Market, Ph - 225098Tashi and Sons, LM Road.

RELIGIOUS CENTRES :
Enchey monastery, TV Tower
Evangelical Presbyterian Church Near Pvt. Bus Stand
Do Drul Chorten, Deorali
Gurudwara, Deorali
Brahmakumari Ashram
Mosque, Pvt. Bus Stand
Church of North India, P.S. Road
Thukarbari Temple, Metro Point
HOSPITAL
Central Referral Hospital, Tadong, Ph - 31137S.T.N.M Hospital, Ph - 22944Red Cross Society, P.N.G.S. Road, Ph - 22056
CHEMISTS
Chiranjilal Lalchand, M.G. Road, Ph - 23762Lifeline Medicos, M.G. Road, Ph - 22864Shree Krishna Medical Stores, M.G. Road, Ph - 24807
HANDLOOM AND HANDICRAFTS
Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom Showroom, M.G. Road Sikkim Rural Development Showroom, New Market.
SHOPPING AREAS
Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Shopping Centre, Lall Market
CURIO SHOPS
Sikkim Art Emporium, NH-31A, Ph - 27106Curio Craft Gallery, P.S. Road, Ph - 25739Sikkim Sarda & Company, M.G. Road, Ph - 23594State Handicrafts Showroom, Zero point
BANKS
Bank of Baroda, M.G. Marg, Ph - 223216Bank of India, New Market, Ph - 224388Canara Bank, M.G. Marg, Ph - 223589State Bank of Sikkim, NH 31A,Ph - 22255State Bank of India, M.G. Marg, Ph - 226091UCO Bank, P.S. Road, Ph - 223164Vijaya Bank, Metro point, Ph - 202131
AIRLINES
Indian Airlines, Booking Office, Tibet Road, Tel. 223099, Jet Airways, M.G. Marg, Tel.
TRAVEL AGENT/TOUR OPERATORS
Blue Sky Trek & Travels, MG Marg, Ph - 28658Khangri Tours & Travels, Tibet Road, Ph - 26050Namgyal Treks & Tours, Tibet Road, Ph - 23701, Ph - 22979, Ph - 28335Tashila Tours & Travels NH-31A, Ph - 22979Yuksom Tours & Travels, Ph - 23473 Sikkim World Expeditions, Ph - 23494
CLUBS
Rotary International, Ph - 22237/623215Lions Club, Ph - 23779/22553Rotaract Club, Ph - 22843/22594Post office : Head Post Office, P.S. Road, Ph - 22449Police : 100/22033
FIRE BRIGADE : Ph - 101/22001
INFORMATION OFFICES :
INDIA TOURISM, GUWAHATI, Government of India, Regional Office, (North East), G.L. Publication Complex, G.S Road, Ulubari, Guwahati-781 007(Assam), Ph - (0361) 2456158, Fax - 2547407, Website: www.incredibleindia.org E.mail: indtour@asm.nic.in
SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE, M.G. MARG, GANGTOK, SIKKIM-737101 TEL - (03592) 221634/227720/202634; Helipad Ph - 225277; Fax - 225647

Hee Bermiok Tourist Festival 2007

Welcome to the " KALEZ VALLEY HERITAGE & TOURISM FESTIVALS 2007 ". from 10th OF MAY 2007 to 13th MAY 2007 at HEE BERMIOK CONSTITUENCY OF WEST SIKKIM, INDIA

KALEZ VALLEY HERITAGE & TOURISM FESTIVALS is the annual festivals organised in Hee Bermiok by the Hee Bermiok Tourism Development & Heritage Conservation Society with the help of local organizations, NGOs and various Government Departments. This is the major annual summer event and platform for the peoples of Hee Bermiok to show their ability and culture of the area.
Hee Bermiok is the newest name on Sikkim's impressive list of tourist destinations. bounded by Kalez Khola on the North, Hee Khola in the West, Rengit and Rangsang river in the East and Samdong reserve forest in the South, it offers the tourist, a trek or a bikeride through the Barsey Rhododeron Sanctury with the breaths taking Khanchendzonga looming large over the horizon, a chyang treat in the Limboo traditional houses and campfire in the hush green mountains with the rock hill birds providing the background score.
THIS FOUR DAY LONG FESTIVAL IS OFFERING THE TOURISTS THE TASTE OF NATURE, ADVENTURE AND TRADITIONAL BOUNTIES OF HEE BERMIOK.

FEATURES
1. Display of models of Mandir, Gumpa, Yangrangsing etc.
2. Jhakri Dances
3. Traditional Houses Exhibit
4. Stall for traditional items of
a. Domestic Use
b. Agriculture tools
c. Bee keeping, goats rearing and
d. Kol, Kalas etc.
5. Taste of Multi-ethnic cultural dances.
Bhutia, Lepcha, Sherpa, Nepali, Newari.
Limboos dances- Dhan-naach
Chyabrung naach, Rai dance,
Maruni dance, Sanini dance, Tamang selo, Lakhey naach
6. Trekking or bike ride through Barsey Rhododeron Sanctury.
7. Mountain biking.
8. Full of Local & traditional culture.
9. The semantic practices - the Jhakris, bijuwas etc.- The traditional healing practices.
10.Hindu Puran Citation.
11.Yangrang Sing Puja of Limboos, the belivers of yumaism.
12. The traditional cuisine.
Village Tourism Vis-a-vis Heritage Village
Hee Gaun is a place where the population of Limboo ethinic community is concentrated. These aboriginal tribes of Sikkimise have their own religion, culture and life-style. They live traditionally in their traditional houses. They have their unique food-habit, and other Socio-cultural traditions. This needs to be preserved and conserved through the development of 'Heritage Village'. The concept helps preserve the ancient cultural heritage of the Limboos in the one hand and give properity in tourism by attracting tourists from various parts of the world.
Village Tourism
Promotion of village tourism, ethinic tourism and how it results in conservation of culture and heritage can be assessed within Hee-Bermiok constituency where, there are ample avenues of the development of village tourism.

Visit for more details of KALEZ VALLEY HERITAGE FESTIVALS 2007 Website

www.heebermiok.com

SIKKIM GETS CENTRAL GRANTS UNDER SGRY

GANGTOK:Grants-in-aid amounting to Rs. 1.41 crore as third/additional instalment of Central assistance to 3 districts of Sikkim, viz. East District (Rs. 51.17 lakh ), West District (Rs.45.50 lakh) and South District (Rs.43.74 lakh) has been released by the Ministry of Rural Development for the implementation of the Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) during the financial year (2006-07). Grants-in-aid of Rs.30.31 lakh as part of first instalment, out of the allocation of Rs.1.81 crore to the West District has also been released under the scheme for the year 2007-08. The release is towards plan expenditure and will be utilized for approved items of works subject to the conditions laid down in the SGRY Guidelines. No deviations from the guidelines is permissible. The expenditure on implementation of the programme with regard to cash component is on 75:25 basis between the Central and the State Government, respectively. The Zila Parishads/DRDAs will release the entire funds allocated to them directly to the respective three tiers of the PRIs in the proportion as given in SGRY Guidelines within 15 days of receipt of funds from the Centre or the State without waiting for matching Share either from the Centre or the State. Grants-in-aid amounting to Rs. 1.41 crore as third/additional instalment of Central assistance to 3 districts of Sikkim, viz. East District (Rs. 51.17 lakh ), West District (Rs.45.50 lakh) and South District (Rs.43.74 lakh) has been released by the Ministry of Rural Development for the implementation of the Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) during the financial year (2006-07). Grants-in-aid of Rs.30.31 lakh as part of first instalment, out of the allocation of Rs.1.81 crore to the West District has also been released under the scheme for the year 2007-08. The release is towards plan expenditure and will be utilized for approved items of works subject to the conditions laid down in the SGRY Guidelines. No deviations from the guidelines is permissible. The expenditure on implementation of the programme with regard to cash component is on 75:25 basis between the Central and the State Government, respectively. The Zila Parishads/DRDAs will release the entire funds allocated to them directly to the respective three tiers of the PRIs in the proportion as given in SGRY Guidelines within 15 days of receipt of funds from the Centre or the State without waiting for matching Share either from the Centre or the State.

Gangtok still under the shadow of casteism

Gangtok: I n the 21st century, even in the town like Gangtok to which the western culture has mostly engulfed the untouchability is still prevalent. Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi quotation “Inhuman boycott of human being” has been brushed off. The untouchability which had already come to an end in 19th Century in India with the social reform movement on the part of Swami Vivekananda, Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Mahatma Gandhi like great leaders.Simon Paul Rai a young journalist says, “Even in the 21st century in this advance age only there is cosmetic change. The set of mind of the people haven’t changed at all, only their outer appearances have changed.” The cast system has rooted so deeply in the society let alone Hindu even in Christian the religion which at least does not give importance the untouchability the casteism has penetrated. “In Christian too while marriage they at first take into account of their matachable cast,” Rai says. “But it is right that like earlier in the olden days the casteism isn’t so effective.”Champa Bardewa, the state president of Sikkim Dalit Sena, has also opinion like of Rai. She says, “I reside at Deorali one of the towns of Gangtok City Corporation, but the priests who worship at upper castes’ house hesitate to come to perform puja at my home because tomorrow they will be boycotted by the so-called upper caste.” But Champa Bardewa has also the answer of how to uproot the casteism from the society. “The schedule castes should be made economically viable and educated by the state by endorsing various scholarship and reservation.” She says. “Only then they will be recognized by the society.”On the other hand Subash Sundas, the general secretary of All Sikkim Damain Samaj, don’t agree on the view of the formers. He thinks that the casteism has virtually vanished away from the society. “Every where we are free to go and come,” he says. But he adds the rider, “Yes, a bit of casteism is still prevalent in older generation but that will be remained no longer.”
(D.B.Rai,Gangtok)

SIKKIM BANS ALL IMPORT OF CHICKEN & EGGS

An avian flu scare gripped Siliguri and its adjoining areas after some poultry birds were reported dead at the farm owned by Raj Aziz.
The deaths came to light yesterday after residents complained to the police station at Matigara, 7 km here, about the stench from the farm, prompting block development officer Susanta Mondal to investigate. Mondal found the carcasses of around 2,500 poultry birds in the deserted farm, which had only a chowkidar.
Alarmed at the large-scale death of birds, the health department rushed a team of experts to assess the situation.
The dead birds were immediately buried on the orders of the district magistrate.
The farm on the outskirts of the town had a little more than 11,000 poultry birds.

The Animal Husbandary Department of The Government of Sikkim has banned all imports of chicken,eggs,chiken products in Sikkim from outside with immediate effects till further notice on account of bird flu scare in Siliguri. Sikkim have most of its demands for chicken and eggs catered to from suppliers outside sikkim.
The Notification, dated 8 May 2007 and signed by the Principle Secretary of the Department, TW Barfungpa, has been pasted at all check-posts and entry points throughout the State.
Till yesterday, chicken was available in many small shops across the State. In Gangtok, most of the meat shops had already exhausted its stock of poultry by yesterday afternoon. Even eggs were difficult to get, with eggs were flying off the shelves even as the news of the bird flu scare was just trickling in. Meat sellers were desperately trying to get rid of the remaining stock of poultry and eggs.
Since most of the live poultry birds and eggs are supplied to the State from Siliguri, the bird flu scare has prompted the State Government to take this step.
KC Bhutia, Joint Director AH/LF & VS Department said that in the wake of increasing number of poultry birds dying of Avian flu in the neighbouring Bangladesh, this step has been necessitated. “Most of the poultry birds come to West Bengal from Bangladesh borders and the recent reports of chicken deaths in Siliguri, the Government of India has sent notifications to all the Border States of the country to stop bringing chicken and eggs from Bangladesh,” he said. “Following the Central Government directives, we have also issued a notification banning all entry of poultry birds and eggs from Siliguri with immediate effect,” he said, adding that this was only a “precautionary measure for week or maximum 10 days”. Mr. Bhutia added that poultry farms in the State need not worry as there were no such threats here.
The temporary ban has affected the poultry business in the State. Small meat sellers are the most hit. “My entire stock of chicken has finished and there is no supply from Siliguri. My main business being chicken, I am facing hugn losses. I hope the ban will be lifted up soon,” lamented Pappu, a local meat sellers here in the Capital.

MCI nod to Sikkim medical college - Recognition at last

Gangtok: Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences has been finally recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
The certificate and documents with the official confirmation is likely to reach Sikkim within this week.
K. Jayakumar, the vice-chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University, to which the medical college is affiliated, said over phone from Bangalore today: “I will most probably come back to Sikkim with the certificate of recognition. For that, I must first visit Delhi. But this much I can say, it is through and done with.”
Students at the medical college, however, were cautious. While most of them refused to speak, the few who interacted said they want to first see the certificate for themselves or at least hear an announcement from the authorities.
It is said the MCI approved the recognition after its team finally expressed satisfaction with the the academic and clinical performance of the medical college and the central referral hospital attached to it. On its last tour of the institute in April, the MCI team had given the institute 83 per cent marks for having the necessary infrastructure to shoulder more than 80 per cent of clinical load.
The non-affiliation to the MCI had rendered courses at the institute useless and had in turn led to several flare-ups between students and the university authorities in the past two years.
Finally in January 2007, the Centre agreed to recognise the first two batches. This of course did not go down well with all the students. Earlier, the Sikkim government had tried to provide some temporary relief to the would-be doctors by announcing that they could register themselves with the Sikkim Medical Council. But that would have meant that the medical graduates from the institute could practice in Sikkim only.
This time, the MCI team noted that the strength of the faculty was in keeping with the council’s requirements. According to council norms, faculty shortage should not be more than five per cent, that is, at least 95 per cent of the teaching posts should be filled.
“The primary obstacle to getting affiliation pertained to faculty at the institute. But this time, we tried to address the issue and the faculty of the institute was present in full strength for inspection along with doctors of Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital. Unlike earlier occasions, this time the doctors of the second hospital have been recognised as faculty of the institute. Earlier they were not acknowledged despite teaching at the institute,” Jayakumar had told The Telegraph soon after the final inspection.
Last year, in July, Jayakumar had met the MCI authorities and officials of the Union health ministry in New Delhi over the affiliation issue. While requesting permanent affiliation, the vice-chancellor had also pressed for a provisional affiliation to be granted to the institute immediately. The MCI was reported to have responded positively to the request at that time.

(PEMA LEYDA SHANGDERPA of The Telegraph)

SIKKIM : HOT SPOT FOR TOURISTS

GANGTOK: It’s that time of the year when families packed their woollies and head straight for the hills to beat the scorching heat in the plains. And the cool clime of Sikkim is where every vacationer seemed to be headed for. That the tourists are making a bee-line for this tiny Himalayan State in doves is eveident by the fact that these days, MG Marg looks like a huge Mela ground and locals face the acute shortage of taxis to ply them home. Every other vehicle is headed for Tsomgo or Nathula. Sikkim is now admittedly considered an ideal vacation destination because its scenic splendor accompanied by tranquility, serene ambience, political stability and principal of Athito devo bhawa (loyal respect to visitors). The tourists are coming, the tour operators are doing brisk business and Sikkim is firmly on the tourist map of the world.“This season has started well for us. The number of tourists coming to Sikkim is increasing every year and this is good for the industry,” says Tshering Namgyal of Explore Sikkim Tours and Travel.However, while the tourism sector is growing at a great speed, there are also various bottlenecks that impede it. One of the biggest grouse amongst tour operators is the unstable tour rates prevailing in the market. There are no uniform rates for tour operators in the State and the same changes frequently, which cause much heartburn amongst the tour operators as well as the tourists. The lack of uniform rate is a serious drawback, says one local tour operator. This calls for some prompt initiative from the State Government along with the private sector to control the pricing.The exponential growth in this sector is visible in the number of hotels, lodges and restaurants that came up in popular destinations of North and West Sikkim, including Gangtok. There is a huge demand for these destinations evident from North and West Sikkim packages selling like hot cakes lately. “We have come all the way from Chennai and we are very happy with what Sikkim has to offer,” says G Gopinath, an engineer from Tamil Nadu who is here with his family. “we have already visited Tsomgu Lake and Nathula and plan to visit North Sikkim,” he adds.The demand for package tours has accelerated particularly for Yumthang, Yumisamdong and Gurudongmar in North Sikkim as the most visited places, along with Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula as undeniable destinations.In an average, 50 tourists vehicle alone are hired for local sight seeing and about 200 to 250 are being booked for one Tsomgo-Nathula day trip. Gyan Kundu from Durgapur in West Bengal feels that Sikkim is an ideal tourist destination in all aspects. The most impressed thing he feels about Sikkim is the ban on the use of plastic bags, perfect traffic norms and friendly nature of Gangtokians.Recent reports from the Department of Tourism reveals a notable increase in the number of tourists visiting the State both domestic and international with 17 percent and 19 percent rise respectively in 2004-05 as compared to 2003-04. The number of visitors making a beeline towards Sikkim was unprecedented with a total of 2,68,267 visitors (domestic and foreign according to the Sikkim Tourism Department figures) arriving in Sikkim in 2005 and 1,79,385 visitors till June in 2006.Proposals on the cards with the Department of Tourism towards further fostering of tourism in Sikkim includes boost to adventure sports as river rafting, trekking, mountain bike rally, boating, rock-climbing, archery, together with demonstration of para-gliding and hot air ballooning. Three more peaks that are below 20,000 fts namely Bhum Khangtse, Lama Angden and Frey’s Peak have also been opened for expeditions.

SIKKIM POLICE DETAINS CAR SMASHER

GANGTOK, May 08: The Sadar Police today arrested one Saran Gurung alias Saran (23) for the incident of car wrecking which took place during the intervening night of 1 and 2 May at Gandhay Jhora, Indira Bye Pass here.
Saran is a residence of North Regu presently staying at Amdo Golai near Thapa Turning, Police sources said.
A cabdriver by occupation, Saran was arrested for allegedly smashing the glass of a Maruti Omni bearing number SK04/ 5232 at Indira Bye Pass.
A case has been registered under PDPP Act 1984 and Section 427 of the IPC against miscreant.

HUSBAND'S WRATH LEADS WIFE TO HOSPITAL

SINGTAM: The Singtam Police on 7 May detained one Ran Bahadur Chettri of Chisopani from a labour camp at the Rani Khola river bank at Singtam.
According to the Police, Ran Bahadur Chettri (54), along with his wife and minor daughter had taken shelter in a labour camp at Rani Khola river bank on 6 May evening after coming from Chisopani. The next morning, at around 9 am, Ran Bahadur Chettri reportedly assaulted his wife with a bhamphok on her head inflicting multiple injuries.
The victim Sarita Chettri (27) was thereafter rescued and rushed to the nearest PHC wherefrom she was referred to the Central Referral Hospital at Gangtok. During investigation the Singtam Police seized the weapon of offence (bhamphok) and arrested the accused.
The couple’s daughter Pavitra Chettri (3) was handed over to the mother of victim. A case was registered under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code against attempt to murder and further investigations are on.

Gangtok City Development Plan by The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce

GANGTOK: The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce lately came to the fore embracing suggestions for Gangtok City Development Plan with special reference to beautification of MG Marg, following studies at length by the Urban Development & Housing Department that conducted plan strategies to provide massive datas on which the government plans to prepare a development plan in making Gangtok a city to be proud of.
Seeking to make the plan further comprehensive and beneficial to the residents of Gangtok as well recognising a marked position in the tourism map of India, the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce on 7 May offered a suggestive list addressing the minister for UD&HD DD Bhutia.
The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce proposal includes creation of open space and public amenities taking in space for children, old men, walkers as well for community centres librariers etc. The need for commercial space includes room for the increasing demands of hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, warehouses, transport infrastructure and allied services that are to come up in a big way ensuing the reopening of border trade.
“It is important to state here that rise of economic activities have to be welcomed as they will generate employment and revenue and further improve the GDP of the state. Thus all efforts of the government should be to encourage commercial activity both trade & tourism”, states the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce communiqué.
It also called for integrated residential campuses in Gangtok like that of Siliguri and other places as well earmarking certain localities for development by the private sector on public private partnership basis. “We suggest that the roof tops of the existing car parks could be developed into children parks and/ or terrace gardens to give the city a more eco friendly look amid the ever increasing concrete structures”, suggested the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce.
In a bid to further strengthen the peace initiative and guide the tourists honourably, the need to provide space to the concerned departments for erecting police/ tourist assistance booths at strategic points like Ridge area, Star cinema, location opposite to Tourism Department at MG Marg, Zero Point, White Hall junction, Tashi View point & Ganesh Tok was proposed.
Suggestions was offered for creation of public amenities by NGOs and private entrepreneurs like schools, children parks, amusement parks, recreation centres, theatres, community halls, banquet halls that can be encouraged by providing space on priority.
However, the most unique suggestion came for public transport system embracing rapid transport system like Sky Train from Nam Namg to TNHS complex, along with introduction of shuttle buses between vantage points. The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce also appealed for 24 hours taxi stands with adequate infrastructures like toll free telephone to accommodate 3 to 4 taxis can be set up at M G Road, Baluakhani, Deorali, Tadong and other suitable places
Pointing the need for full fledged nursing home in Gangtok, the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce invited libraries to set up in Gangtok to boost the reading habit among the masses. However, congratulating the UD&HD for smooth garbage collection system in town, suggestions came for outsourcing of garbage collection operations to private entrepreneurs in phases so as to reduce the cost of operation.
As for the beautification of MG Marg, the present system of traffic closure from 5 pm to 8 pm is proposed to be changed to 6 pm to 8 pm. Moreover during rush traffic hours, the same can further be transformed into a touch and go area on the left side and parking be allowed on the right side, thereby enabling the people to come to M G Road without congestion of traffic.
MG Marg, according to Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, also calls for multilevel hydraulic car parking facilities in adjoining areas to ease the pressure in view of space constraints. With more Sulabh setups, the garbage picking system in MG Marg was also pointed that is said to need attention.
“Currently, the skyline of Gangtok town is cris-crossed by cables, electric & telephone wires which give it an ugly look unbecoming of the capital. It is suggested that all cables, electric and telephone lines should be laid underground. Measures to make the city cable less, in so far as possible should be adopted”, adds the Chamber of Commerce’s note.
Inviting at least two corpse carriages for the public in light of the increasing population, suggestions as well came for more over bridges at Ratiram Petrol Pump, GICI crossing and Deorali five ways junction, including subways at junctions like at Nam Nang Assembly crossings and Metro Crossing. Acknowledging pedestrian foot path from Baluakhani to Ranipool, it was recommend that the footpaths needs small breaks regular short distances to give way to the overflowing monsoon water.
“The opening of Nathula will bring immense economic benefits to Sikkim. The rise in the economic activity will have a dramatic effect on the total volume of business and non business activity in Gangtok area. Thus the pressure of more people, more activity will result in demand for more space. The plan has already accepted this fact and as the business unfolds at Nathula, more and more space needs to be created”, it was proposed

Sikkim site in running for Unesco honour

NEW DELHI, May 8: After 14 years, a natural site in India is likely to be declared a Unesco world heritage site. The ministry of environment and forests has drawn up a tentative list of sites to be proposed to Unesco in a series of meetings scheduled to be held in New Zealand from 23 May to 1 June. Mr Pramod Krishnan, joint director, ministry of environment and forests, told the journalists: “A number of natural sites have been finalised to be proposed to Unesco in assistance with ASI which is a nodal agency. These are Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh, Wild Ass wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and the Western Ghats.” According to the guidelines set by Unesco other than cultural sites, natural sites can also be proposed for heritage status.The last place in India to have been accorded the status of World Natural Heritage Site was Manas in Assam in 1992. The other acclaimed sites are Nandadevi in Uttara Khand (1988) Sunderbans in West Bengal (1985), Kaziranga in Assam (1985) and Kockladeo bird sanctuary in Rajasthan (1985). The authorities are under pressure to gather all details to fulfil the Unesco laid criteria for natural sites. “Every site has been selected keeping in view the criteria proposed by Unesco for natural sites and keeping in mind its uniqueness. Namdapha has tropical and sub tropical evergreen forests. It is the only place in India to have the four cats ~ tigers, leopards, snow leopards and clouded leopards. It also houses threatened mammals like red panda, musk deer etc. Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary has rare and endangered Ghudkhur better known as Indian Wild Ass, which are not found anywhere else in the world,” said a ministry official. “Kanchanjunga with its national park is the third highest peak in the world while the Western Ghats have two biosphere reserves, 13 national parks, numerous wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests,” added the official. After being declared as World Heritage Site, a particular site holds an esteemed position on the world map. “Apart from gaining publicity, it also becomes a great tourist attraction, but the main focus is on the financial assistance,”the official said. Here in India, the grave problem is of funds. After being declared a heritage site, a lot of money pours in as there is international pressure to protect it,” the official said. The Unesco meetings are scheduled to be held in Christ Church, New Zealand.
(The Statesman)

Proposals for inclusion of Gurang languages in ST list

New Delhi, May 8. (PTI): The Centre has received proposals for the inclusion of Nepali-speaking Khombu, Rayee and Gurang communities in the list of scheduled tribes, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.
In a reply, Minister of Tribal Affairs P R Kyndiah said the proposals have been forwarded by the State Government of Sikkim and West Bengal respectively.
However, the Centre has not received any proposal for the inclusion of Rayee and Gurund castes in the ST list, the Minister said.
In another reply, the Minister said the Government has designated Gram Sabha as an authority to identify the forest settlers and initiate the process of determining the nature and extent of individual or community rights on forests.
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, enacted during the last winter session of Parliament, seeks to recognise and vest certain rights over the forest land for those residing in such areas for generations, the Minister said.

Sikkim Tourism Minister treks to track trail flaws

Gangtok: Sikkim tourism minister R.B. Subba is on a weeklong trek to the western part of the state, personally checking out the facilities available to trekkers along the trails there.
The minister left for the trek on May 2 and is expected to return to Gangtok on Wednesday.
According to official sources, the minister is resting today in Tshoka, a village about 18 km above Yuksom, after a six-hour walk to Goechala. Situated at a height of 5,000 m Goechala is close to the southern face of the Kanchenjunga. He returned to Tshoka through Thangshing, the transit point between Dzongri and Goechala. Subba covered Dablakhang and Dzongri last week.
The trekking trails in this part of the state are situated at over 4,200 m and provides some of the most spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga.
The minister, who is taking stock of the facilities around the trekking trails that need repair and renovation, was here two years ago on a similar exercise. On the basis of his findings on the earlier trip, the state government had sanctioned Rs 60 lakh for the repairs of the roads and upgrade of other basic amenities. This time, he is also inspecting the extent of work carried out so far with that money.
Subba is accompanied by a senior tourism official, several technocrats from the tourism department, a forest official and senior tourist guides who are experts of the area and guiding the minister on the trails.
Unlike his earlier trip, which saw bad weather on several days and bad stretches of road, the group this time was blessed with sunny and clear skies. The minister will head downhill for Yuksom on his way back to the state capital tomorrow.

Untamed passions

A s the mercury rises, the mountains beckon. Hyderabad's trekking enthusiasts pull their gears out to scale the heights. What does challenging the limits mean? Trekking in the Western Ghats in Kanyakumari and straddling the Annamalai forests, with one foot in Tamil Nadu and the other in Kerala. And even better, following the adventurous trail that leads to the base camp nestled at the foot of the Himalayas. Treading the path less taken, far away from the concrete jungle, is an experience that people with untamed passions cherish forever. The best destination are the Himalayan mountains that haven't ceased fascinating since man first scaled their heights. As Steven K, corporate bank executive, who's trekked in Kanchanjunga, in southern Sikkim, puts it, "The sights that you witness firsthand from atop a mountain can never be captured by a camera. Such adventurous experiences make trekking exhilarating." Not satisfied with one tryst with the rugged terrains, Steven set out to trek again, this time to the base camp. Mirza Yawar Baig, leadership training consultant, who traversed another Himalayan territory, Uttarakhand, shares, "Two regiments of the Indian Army are stationed at Kumaon and Gharwal in the new state of Uttarakhand. Interestingly, Basalat Jah, a descendent of the Nizams, had set up Kumaon. A museum at the place offers a peek into the works done by Basalat." Baig, who was on an official trip to train the Sashastra Sena Bal officers in leadership skills, ended his trip with a trek to the mountain ranges via Karanprayag. Uttarakhand promises a good time for wildlife lovers too. Jim Corbett Park is a famous destination in the state. Other sanctuaries in India are Kanha National park (Madhya Pradesh), Taboda, Bandipur, Nagarhole (Karnataka), Annamalai forests (Tamil Nadu) or Aruku valley (Andhra Pradesh). "A trek through the buffer zone of these parks, followed by a drive into the forest and a night spent on a machan makes for the best trekking experience with ample wildlife sighting," explains wildlife enthusiast and advertising executive Vishwa Prasad. For those who are not satisfied with just sighting wildlife, exploring virgin territories in Darjeeling, Nepal, Kathmandu, Coorg, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, The North East, Karnataka and Munnar is an adrenalin-rushing experience. "When in Munnar, if you're lucky you can spot kuringis, wild purple flowers that blooms only once in 12 years. They cover hills like a purple blanket," shares Baig. Previously, some areas in Karnataka were forbidden, as they were Veerapaan's territory. But the government has opened them now.

SIKKIM GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS & PROMOTIONS

1. Shri S.Tambe, IFS, DFO (Diversity Conservation), Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Department is transferred and posted as Joint Secretary ( Land Resource Development), Rural Management & Development Department, on deputation.
2. Shri S. Anbalagan, IFS, ACF (T), Namchi, Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Department is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Rural Management & Development Department on deputation.
3. Shri Gaayas Pega, SSDMS, Under Secretary, Human Resource Development Department is transferred and posted as Bazar Officer Jorethang on deputation.
4.Shri Bidhan Dutta, Joint Director (Accounts), Zila Panchayat, West is hereby transferred and posted as Joint Director (accounts), Finance, Revenue and Expenditure Department, Gangtok with immediate effect.

Sakewa: A significant festival of the Kirat Rai

Sakewa: H.H. Risley in his book, "The Gazetteer of Sikkim (1884) while reflecting the total population of Sikkim, mentioned ‘Rai’, ‘Khambu’ and ‘Jimdar’ as different communities but in reality these names mean a single community which is popularly known as the Rai community. Rai is and was also known as Kirata, Khambu and Jimdar. The term Kirata has a wider connotation and the term is also found in Puran, Upadnishad or the old Vedas and it covers Rai, Limbu, Sunwar, Gurung, Manger, Tamang and all but presently only Rai community uses this term. As per the census of Sikkim in 1884, the total strength of Rai community was in third position, but Mr. Risley put it at random owing to the reason mentioned already. In this former Himalayan kingdom, the Rai people used to perform Sakewa puja from ancient time in the villages of the state but following the recognition of their language by the Government, the people began to perform the puja in a more organised manner. Indeed, the state Government has declared Sakewa as a state holiday.
The Rai People are gentle, simple by nature and hard working that worship nature as their creator and protector. They call themselves Khambu, Kirawa or Rothungcha (Rodungcha). They were and are mainly cultivators who love to live in the hilly region and consider themselves as the offspring of Paruhang (the God) who is also believed to have dwelled in the Himalayas. The fact that they are worshipers of nature is reflected by their folk dance called Sakewa Sili still popular coinciding with Sakewa, the day of offering puja to earth wishing good cultivation before sowing the seeds of paddy or other grains. In fact, Sakewa is a great festival of all Rai people. After seven days of Buddha Purnima according to Nepali calendar, Sakewa is observed in grand manner. Sakewa is also known as Sakela among the community. In a way, it is performing the Bhumi puja or prayer on the soil before sowing the seeds on the land. The Pasibey or Mangpa perform the puja on the soil. One person beats the hongken, a drum loudly and people come out of their houses bringing materials of puja. Usually , there will be a large congregation in a plain area particularly on a hilltop, where they perform puja offering flowers, gingers etc. to the God and pray for well being of all the living creature of the world. Thereafter they sing the song called sili cham and perform dance called Sakewa Sili. In this dance, the group of male and female hold their hand together and sing and dance. The dance symbolizes the spirit of their togetherness, fraternity and above all the feeling of joy close to nature. The dance is usually performed for praying good harvest in the coming season. In a way, the Sakewa puja and dance also symbolizes the close relationship between man and nature and their co-existence. The people start sowing and cultivating only after performing puja of the soil without which there will be no good harvest and also danger to the life of the people around. This is their firm belief and tradition that without which it is considered unholy to cultivate the land. After performing puja, they distribute wachipa, a kind of food which is very popular among them.
The Sakewa is also observed by the Rai community in their homes. In their homes, they specially construct a room for puja and install three stones (called sumlung) making a furnace called Samkha. Each lung or stones have their own names called Suptulung, Taralung, Shakhalung (others Rai of sub caste call them by their own names). While performing puja, they light the fire in the furnace and call the names of their forefathers and offer food grains, millet, ginger, water etc.. The water is used in a pot called Wabuk or Salawa, which is made out of a kind of fruit of a dried plant. Most of the Rai people in ancient times used to perform puja basically offering meat etc. in the name of their forefathers but the new generation discarded most of the primitive kind of offering puja. The people of Tikpur, West Sikkim and Daragaon, Rimbik, Darjeeling perfom puja by reciting and chanting words from their holy book Sunghoom and beat the drum. If they have to organise a religious ceremony in the village, they beat the drum called Hongken and Siliken loudly and soon the people gather on hearing the sound. If some one is working on the field, it is their bound duty to rush before the congregation. In ancient times, when there was any trouble or threat, they would beat the instrument loudly and people used to gather within no time.
The beating of Hongken and Chamukhi or Jhyamta is one of the interesting features of performing Sakewa puja and Sili. It marks the new season and new beginning among the people. Indeed a time for celebration and prayer for prosperity. Not uncommon amongst many communities of this region

PAKYONG CLASH ENDS IN ARREST ON BOTH SIDES

PAKYONG: A scuffle between two persons has led to arrests on both sides in Pakyong.
A case has been registered against one Pempa Dorjee Bhutia of Changey Pakyong following a complaint from Pravin Subba of Aho Busty at the Pakyong Police Station under Section 326 of Indian Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means on May 3.
However, a counter compliant was lodged against Pravin Subba and others by Pempa Dorjee Bhutia on 4 May at the same Police Station. A case was registered against Pravin Subba under Section 447/ 147/ 427/ 323 criminal trespass, rioting, mischief and thereby causing damage to amount of Rs 50 or upwards and voluntarily causing hurt of the Indian Penal Code and is under investigation.
Pempa Dorjee Bhutia alleged that on 3 May at around 9 pm, the accused Pravin Subba and his friends forcefully entered the house of complainant and assaulted his family members. Investigation thereafter led to the arrest of Pravin Subba (21), Sunil Subba (19) and Sancha Bir Subba (24), all from Aho Busty, Changey in Pakyong on the same day.

SDF ATMA CHINTAN SHIVAR

BB Gooroong trains gun on the Opposition for indulging in mudslinging

GANGTOK: “There has been a rampant misuse of democracy in Sikkim by Opposition parties,” retorted BB Goorong, advisor to the Chief Minister while addressing a congregation of youth at Phenzong, Ranka here today.
Mr. Goorong was speaking in an inaugural function of five-day long ‘Atma Chintan Shivir’ organised by the Sikkim Democratic Front party (SDF). Lambasting the Opposition parties for coming up with baseless accusations and hatching meaningless conspiracies to tarnish the image of the ruling party, Mr. Gooroong said that this was a desperate attempt of the Opposition to grab public attention.
“Opposition parties have ganged up together on one platform to deceive and mislead the innocent people of Sikkim,” he said. “The Opposition parties who have formed this so-called alliance are without any political ideology and with just one point agenda to malign the image of the SDF party,” he said. Mr. Gooroong said that if the Opposition is so righteous, it should come forward and participate in the coming Panchayat elections and prove the people’s mandate.
Mr. Gooroong said the endeavor of the SDF party to organise such brain-storming session should be appreciated as the SDF has always been a party which strongly believes and follows high social, political and moral ideologies.
Menlom Lepcha, MLA Rumtek, while addressing the gathering highlighted the main aims and objectives for organising this introspective camp. He said that the camp chiefly focuses on developing the mental and physical standard of the participants. He said that it was the right platform for the youth to get acquainted with the ideologies and principles of SDF party. He also urged the participants to share their thoughts and opinions to their counterparts in day to day lives.
About 150 youth from three Constituencies, i.e. Gangtok, Ranka and Rumtek are participating in the camp. Each day, the participants will be enlightened on various topics in theory classes by skilled resource persons on various topics related to political and human values. The camp also includes physical training, parade, social activities, games, spiritual classes (on art of living) and colorful musical extravaganza every evening. The inaugural function today concluded with a plantation drive by the guests in the vicinity of newly build Community Center. MLAs Manita Mangar, NK Pradhan, Nimthit Lepcha and Kunga Zangpo were also present during the inaugural ceremony.
Such introspective camps are being organised all over the State by the SDF party.

BANK OF BARODA GETS A NEW ADDRESS @ NEW MARKET

Expansion of services to customers and upgradation of facilities in the pipeline
GANGTOK: The Bank of Baroda, one of the premier banking institutions of the country, has a new address here in Gangtok.The swanky new premise of the Bank at the New Market here was inaugurated by P Wangdi, Controller of Accounts for Finance Department today morning in the presence of PS Joshi, General Manager (GM) for Bank of Baroda (Eastern Zone). In his welcome address, AK Singhi, Chief Manager for Bank of Baroda, Gangtok branch, said that the Bank, in the last 14 years, has recorded business transactions worth Rs 60 crores and recovered loans to the tune of Rs 26 crores. Mr. Joshi on his part highlighted that the new premises of the Bank, measuring on an area of 1200 square feet, is very spacious in comparison to its earlier location at MG Marg and that the presence of dedicated staffs has opened up floodgates for the Bank to reap numerous success stories at regular intervals. The NPA (Non-Performing Assets) level of the bank being very low, the Bank is sure to undergo a tremendous increase in terms of banking business by over 50 percent in the current year, he said. As the Bank celebrates its centenary year, it is now the responsibility of the existing staffs to put in their best and perform even better in the future, Mr. Joshi further added.The Chief Guest, P Wangdi, in his address to the gathering talked about Bank of Baroda, Gangtok branch being the oldest bank in the capital and its USP being offering best customer service to its customers and quantum of deposits facilities extended by the Bank. He was in all praises for AK Singhi and his dedicated staffs for having led the Bank to scale great heights as far as banking business was concerned. Mr. Wangdi also said that Bank of Baroda is in fact the very first bank to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sikkim Government to help the locals avail of loans from the Bank. The need of the hour is the ATM facilities, which the Bank should focus on at present so as to attract the ever increasing customers especially from the younger generations and also to help the rural folks benefit from its resourceful banking facilities, he added.Likewise, PD Potnis, Assistant General Manager for Bank of Baroda, while addressing the gathering, stated that one of the main objectives of the Bank was to create a good and healthy relationship with its customers. The Bank’s future plans were also highlighted by him, which includes ATM facilities to come up by end of August this year, introduction of CBS (Core Banking System) provisions by August as well, e-banking, internet banking, mobile banking, amongst others. Upgrading of deposits in the Bank and provide locals with housing, educational and personal loans were also part of the Bank’s expansion plans, he added.The GM of the Bank handed over a taxi loan worth Rs 3, 40,000 in cheque to one Pempa Tshering Bhutia, while Mr. Wangdi handed over a housing loan to Ms. Sheela Chettri worth Rs 5, 50,000 in cheque on the occasion

SPCS APPELLATE AUTHORITY & INFO OFFICERS APPOINTED

GANGTOK: A notification of the Sikkim Public Service Commission dated 2 May reports four officers of the Commission to have been appointed as Appellate Authority, State Public Information Officer and Assistant Public Information Officer in exercise of Section 19 (1) and Section 5 (1) & (2) of the Right to Information Act 2005 and in super session of notification no. 22/ SPSC/ Adm/ 2006 dated 1 August 2006.
Ms CD Tasho, Secretary to Sikkim Public Service Commission is appointed the Appellate Authority, Dadul Tsh Lepcha, Joint Secretary to Sikkim Public Service Commission as State Information Officer with KV Joseph, Deputy Controller and TP Sharma, Under Secretary as Assistant Information Officer.

Teachers Driving Taxies During School Hours

Some teachers are even up to driving taxies during school hours instead of going to school: Secretary to HRDD
NAMCHI: “Today more than 70 percent teachers are taking their profession just for livelihood. But teaching as a profession calls for commitment and ardor. This is the reason we are lacking behind to provide quality education to the students”, GM Gurung, Minister for Human Resource Development Department has observed.
Speaking at a constituency level teachers’ workshop and awareness programme held at Tingley Junior High School at Temi-Tarku on 5 May, Mr. Gurung invited teachers to put their hearts, hands and heads together towards their responsibilities because teachers are guiding lights of the society.
“Today, teacher are not serious in their duties, so their products are not productive, but only degree-centered and running just after the government jobs”, he said. Further, he stressed that Sikkim is only the state where teachers are highly paid with very less work load. “Teachers, as such have to work up to the mark to achieve the mission of the Government to provide quality education to all,” he said.
Addressing the teachers, KP Adhikari, Secretary, education Department, said that today the society was lacking in quality education because none of the teacher have ever been dismissed for negligence in duties.” He added that some teachers were also working as taxi drivers instead of going schools.
Mr. Adhikari said that many teachers were not competent and efficient in their own subjects which they teach, that being one of the biggest deterrent to achieving quality education in the State. He informed that the department has a proposal to initiated teachers’ evaluation soon.
The State Project Officer cum Director, Education Department, PM Tamang highlighted the modern concept of education in India. During the programme, teacher representatives of various schools place their grievances and demands.
The demands chiefly included the implementation of vocational education from Class VI, decrease in the age of admission from 5-3 years in Pre-primary, and significantly demands of no pressure from the department, political parties and school heads over the teacher, decrease of time from the election and census duties and computer education from primary levels, amongst others.
Various speakers presented their views on different issues related to modern concept of quality education. A total of 264 teachers from 33 schools including 2 Senior Secondary, 2 Secondary, 8 Junior High School, 15 Primary and 6 Lower Primary Schools participated in the workshop. This is said to be the first of its kind in Sikkim where teachers, departmental heads and policy makers came on one platform deliberating on quality education.

LACHEN SAYS NO TO HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER PROJECT

Lachen vows to “adopt extreme measures” to oppose the Teesta Stage-I hydro-electric power project
GANGTOK: The discontentment of local people over mega hydro electric power projects in the State, especially those planned in North Sikkim seem to be gathering more steam, with Lachen joining in the protests against the Teesta Stage-I hydro electric power project, proposed to come up in the area.
The Dzumsa of Lachen has rejected the Teesta Stage-I hydro electric power project, saying that the project will have “far-reaching adverse affect on the people of Lachen.”
In a strong-worded letter to the Himalayan Green Hydro Energy Pvt. Ltd, a private consortium handling the Teesta Stage-I project, a copy of which was faxed to the local media, the Pipons of Lachen Dzumsa, Chowo Rabjor Lachenpa and Goekay Lachenpa, while expressing their apprehensions over the Project, has said that the people of Lachen do not accept the Project in their area and stand firm in their determination to do so.
“In the capacity as the elected Pipons of Lachen we, on behalf of the people of Lachen strongly reiterate the stand of the local people for non acceptance of the project in our area. To protect our land, forests, age old tradition and places of worship where our Gods and Goddesses reside we will even sacrifice our lives. We may even adopt extreme measures if need be,” the Pipons have said.
Bringing the attention of the implementing agency’s communiqué H.G./LHP/08 of 27.04.07 to the District Collector, North Sikkim, on the Survey and Investigation at Teesta Stage-I Hydro Electric Project sites, the Lachen Pipons have termed the “attitude” of the State Government as “arrogant” in the implementation of Teesta Stage-I Hydro Electric Project at Lachen. “The motive behind the State Government's insistence to have the Project implemented much against the will of the people of the area by hook or by crook is perhaps to destabilize or completely annihilate one of the oldest living communities of Sikkim from the face of Sikkim. We have tendered our reservation or obligations on the implementation of the said project umpteen times on various valid grounds but the State Government seems to be determined to proceed ahead with the project for the reasons best known to the people at the helm of affairs and the implementing agency,” the letter read.
Voicing their apprehension over the Project and outlining their main areas of concern, the Pipons have said that the Project would “not only interfere with the tradition being followed from the time immemorial but also dilute the customs and tradition of the people of Lachen.” “It is a well known fact to all that Lachen remains covered with snow for six months in a year and during other six months the people sustain their livelihood through cultivation of high altitude crops like potato, cabbage etc. They have no other source of income and are fully dependent on the land and forests as they have become totally inseparable. The people of Lachen perform a series of religious as well as traditional rituals to appease the Deities through annual regular ceremonies, who provide them protection against all types of adversaries.” Any disturbances through implementation of the Project in question will have detrimental affect on the customs and traditions of the people, it added.
The letter further states that the traditional Pipon system has been allowed to function undisturbed by the Central Government considering its “uniqueness” and has been accorded protection to this system of local governance, despite Constitution 73rd amendment facilitating reorganization of the Panchayati Raj Institution all over the country. The people of Lachen have also expressed their apprehension in view of the resultant influx of population in the event of implementation of the project could not only disturb the Pipon system but such system may get replaced by some other system of that could be totally alien to the local people. The Project would bring in adverse demographic changes wherein the local population will be out numbered by the people coming from outside,” the letter added.
Security concerns have also been adequately highlighted in the letter. Sikkim has been peaceful despite its strategic position with three international borders and disturbances in its neighbourhood. “But the authorities should not compromise with the nation's security in the name of development particularly when they know that situation may turn fluid and explosive if the otherwise peace loving, simple and god fearing people of Lachen are pushed too far to the extent of losing their patience,” the letter said. “Let us not create another Kashmir or Nagaland by forcible implementation of the project which has not been accepted by the local people. We have not signed the MoU pertaining to the Project and as such we should not be held responsible for any untoward incident resulting from the implementation of the project in question,” it has warned.
The letter further adds that while the people of Lachen “are ful1y aware about the importance of the Project, the authorities concerned must bear in mind the Order of the highest Court of the country whereby acquisition of land for public purpose cannot be done without the consent of the concerned people of the area. Such Order must be honoured to uphold the dignity of the Highest Court of the country. The Project is certainly going to have far reaching adverse affect on the poor, peace loving, god fearing people of Lachen.”

Six Projects have been envisioned on the Teesta in Sikkim out of which Stages I-IV are in North Sikkim with an installed capacity of 2315 MW. Stage V (510 MW), which is located in North and East Districts is already under construction. Stage VI (360 MW) will be located further downstream in East and South Districts.