Sikkim Government in a watch-and-wait mode

सरकारद्वारा भोकहड्ताल फिर्ता लिने अपील !!

Gangtok: The Sikkim government today played the "wait and watch" game in the ongoing ACT indefinite hunger strike saga even as the state government issued 24 hours ultimatum to end hunger strike.And on the other hand it is hard to say as to how long this deadlock is going to last.

On the expiry of the ultimatum yesterday afternoon , Members of ACT feared necessary action against them to end 39 days old relay hunger strike led by Dawa Lepcha and Tenzing Gyatso Lepcha. But the ACT and its supporters have stood firm and refused to end the strike. We are ready to go to jail and make any sacrifice, but we will not give up till our demands are met, said one of their young supporters although many still hoped and prayed for amicable solution but No early end seemed to be in sight as the situation got more politicalized as United opposition political parties announced formation of Joint Action Committee to extend their support to hunger strike and call on people to save democracy against ultimatum issued to ACT.

Meanwhile,No official statements from any of the sides were released today as Gangtok went without electricity throughout the rainy Saturday.While the relay hunger strike continued at BL House, Dawa Lepcha and Tenzing Lepcha are at STNM hospital.

The secret world of Red Pandas

Mumbai: Screening steamy videos to encourage endangered pandas to breed is the latest technique in China’s zoos, but not in Darjeeling.

“We do not use any artificial breeding techniques," says Sunita Pradhan, one of the world’s few biologists who can track the endangered red panda to its secretive habitat. “But the young ones have a high mortality rate and need care."Her bond with the 14 red pandas at the Darjeeling Zoo is strong, but with minimum human contact. So that rules out gimmicks like those at Berlin Zoo, where Knut the polar bear drew over one million visitors this year for twice a day shows with his human keeper. The red pandas prefer to doze the day off, bushy tails curled around their tiny heads.In 1994, this shy scientist from Darjeeling had reported a rare sighting of the red panda in the wild, by a stream in a silver fir forest in Phalut, West Bengal .“When I started work in 1993 in the Singhalila National Park, the place didn’t have electricity. I cooked on firewood,’’ recalls Pradhan, scientific officer, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling. “That was initially a problem for me, an urban girl. Few vehicles came to the Park, so it was difficult to get rations, vegetables or mail. I was extremely lonely, disconnected with the world.”Intrepid researchers like Pradhan hike on remote Himalayan terrain in almost impenetrable bamboo forests, looking for red panda pellets, pugmarks on snow or signs of bamboo feeding. “Fieldwork is a big challenge, especially in monsoon and winter,’’ says Pradhan. “Trying to draw attention to the red panda’s plight is so difficult.’’ Estimates of surviving red panda numbers in India, Bhutan, Mayanmar, Nepal and China are unconfirmed.But saving the animal, a sign of a healthy Himalayan forest, is critical. The red panda has unusually adapted from being a carnivore to a bamboo-feeder. “It has a niche relationship with its ecosystem, we cannot afford to lose it,’’ emphasises Pradhan. She was drawn into their world after post-graduation as she noticed a changing environment. “The ponds where we used to watch tadpoles vanished. Deer, porcupines, flying squirrels stopped coming to our backyard.”In 2003, Pradhan released Sweety, a captive red panda, in the Singhalila National Park, West Bengal. “Sweety took the trouble to establish herself in the wild, mate, and give birth to a cub.’’ After a year, the battery of Sweety’s radio collar died and Pradhan did not spot her again. She now focuses on conservation problems of red pandas in protected areas, to build a captive population. “More releases are subject to studying the status of red pandas in the wild. I still feel I haven’t done much for them."

(Reshma Patil, Hindustan Times)

Indian Idol3 : Parleen Exits Gracefully!

Gangtok:Last week, Charu Semwal left the competition in disbelief and it was one of the most heartbreaking exits ever seen on Reality Television! This week tears rolled down as Parleen Singh Gill made graceful exit. love was in the air as the remaining nine finalists performed on a romantic number on Friday night.

Yesterday night, Prashant basically read the first love letter that he had ever written… it was a very sweet letter, although I do wonder if the writer was indeed Prashant or some other script writer, but let’s go with Prashant! The song Prashant selected was “Yeh Hawayen Gun Gunayen”

Javedsaab: You sang the mukhda well and messed up in the antara. You also didn’t capture the mood of the song properly. Your biggest mistake was in the antara when you went a little flat.

Alisha: You sang well, but not awesome.

Uditji: As Indian Idol is progressing, you are putting in less and less effort.

Annuji: Tremendous improvement from the last performance but it could have been much better.

More than 15 lakhs SMS rolled in for today's result round but Prashant Tamang on his huge local fan following as always was declared "SAFE" and ....shows goes on to one inch more closer to crowning of Indian Idol3.

United Opposition in Sikkim Forms J.A.C.

photo-Shri Tshering Lama,MLA Convener JAC

Gangtok:The opposition parties of Sikkim met yesterday at a local hotel to deliberate on Government ultimatum given to the protesters led by ACT to withdraw the hunger strike within 24 hours failing which the state government threatened to take necessary action.The meeting which was attended by representatives of Opposition political parties termed the government decision of ultimatum as "Murder of the democracy by ruling Sikkim Democratic Front Government" and unanimously decided to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) of all opposition parties of state to save democracy in state with the lone Sangha MLA ,Acharaya Tshering Lama appointed as its convener,informs a media release.

The other members of the Committee includes HR Pradhan -President of state BJP,Major T.Gyatso- SPCC,Punya Prasad Koirala-CPI(M), and Tara Shrestha- General Secretary of Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party.

The newly formed Joint Action Committee strongly condemned the ultimatum letter issued to the ACT.The members also appealed to the people of Sikkim to come forward to "Save Democracy".

Golden Greek Tortoise Found Near Melli,South Sikkim

Melli: A feet long yellow feet tortoise weighing approximately 2 kg was discovered yesterday at a remote village under Melli constituency of South Sikkim b villagers.

The tortoise was first spotted by Rajen Tamang and Sanjay of the Kuvendey village-15 km from Melli at the river banks in evening,who brought it to their house and reported to area panchayat NB Gurung.

Mr.Gurung reported the find to the forest department but no wildlife official reportedly turned up to further investigate into the matter till yesterday evening.However,same has become a object of the curiosity to the residents of area.

However, The tortoise found seems to be one refered as "Golden Greek".The first point to make is that none of these tortoises arise in Greece. Their actual origin is usually the Middle East (Syria, Lebanon, Israel or Jordan) or North Africa (Tunisia, Libya or Morocco). Tortoises with very similar characteristics also occur in limited areas of Spain, The second point to make is that these ‘Golden Greeks’ are not a single subspecies, or even species. They vary considerably according to geographical origin. Rather, the term ‘Golden Greek’ refers to a shared set of physical characteristics: they tend to be rather small, and they have few dark markings, with a profound, bright yellow ground color. In many cases, the scales of the head and limbs are also brightly marked in yellow or amber. They are certainly very attractive animals.

Without exception, these tortoises occur in very hot, dry and arid regions that experience unusually high temperatures during summer.

There is absolutely no doubt that many tortoises adopt a shell and skin coloration that is plainly designed to blend into their natural habitats.

Power returns after blackout hits Gangtok

Gangtok:Power was restored to much of areas of Gangtok shortly before the Saturday episode of Indian Idol 3 featuring Prashant Tamang started on Sony Television after a roughly twelve hours blackout left Gangtokian without electricity through out the day and much part of Saturday evening following incessant rain of last night.Temporary power outages are already a fact of life for people here although Many believe situation would change in case Sikkim become energy surplus state as envisioned by hydroelectric projects policy of Government.

The outage affected the "entire business and commercial areas and all residential areas of Gangtok including its suburbs." Situation can be described as a "a large breakdown ... a complete blackout."

Power was reestablished in most of the area just before the start of Indian idol Saturday episode and for a little while around 7 pm.The electric power supply in Gangtok, obtained mainly from Chukha Hydroelectric Power Project, Bhutan.

Today's black-out resulted following the breakdown in the Lagyap Hydel Project

Dzongu Land Owners Seeks Compensation For Their Land

Gangtok:The landowners of the Dzongu in North Sikkim whose lands falls under Panan Hydro-electric project appealed on July27 to Government of Sikkim to grant compensation at the earliest.

In a press release signed by more than 67 land owners of Dzongu says that their demand has been made following the compensation paid to the land owners of Teesta Stage III of Chungthang,North Sikkim.

The release reads that 95% of land owners of Dzongu have welcomed the Panan Project and have also expressed their "happiness" over the proposed project."The project has brought a hope for the people of Dzongu which will bring in development and prosperity to the area" the release reads.

"We also condemn the protest carried out by the few anti -development elements" it adds.

The press release further says that after getting mandate support from the land owners there should be no delay in starting the panan project in Dzongu.

project site of NHPC’s Teesta Low Dam Project submerged

Rambhi:The project site of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s third phase of Teesta Low Dam Project at Rambhi in Kalimpong sub-division has submerged in the Teesta waters following heavy rainfall in the area. There was, however, no report of any casualty. According to the NHPC officials, portions of the 600-metre long coffer dyke at the project site got breached this morning, resulting in inundation of the entire area. “The water level in the Teesta crossed the danger level and damaged the coffer dyke early this morning. Owing to inundation of the project site, we suspended all works today,” said Mr SK Khatua, chief engineer, TLDP-III. On an average, 1,100 personnel work in day shift at the Rambhi project site and another 400 in the night shift. The NHPC officials are finding it difficult to assess the monetary loss caused, as the damaged coffer dyke has also gone under the Teesta waters. As per TLDP officials, an attempt would be made tomorrow to construct an approach road on the right bank of the Teesta and resume the project work there. However, they clarified that work in the barrage area would resume only after the monsoons. Meanwhile heavy rains over the past few days have created a flood-like situation in Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts. Rivers, such as the Mahananda, the Teesta, the Torsha and the Jaldhaka are flowing close to the danger mark at several points.

Sikkim Police Arrests over kerosene

GANGTOK: The police have arrested three persons from Melli in South Sikkim and seized 180 litres of kerosene oil that they were carrying in a vehicle. The arrested persons have been identified as Dev Prakash Pradhan, Bikram Chhetri and Gazyendra Gurung.According to the police, the trio were actively involved in black marketing of kerosene oil.“A case has been registered against the trio under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act 1955,” the police, said.It was alleged that after purchasing kerosene oil as per the rate fixed by the government (Rs 11 per litre), the trio used to sell the same in black market at double the actual price. According to police, of the three arrested persons, Dev Prakash Pradhan owns a fair price shop at Sadam.“Usually, tanker drivers supply kerosene oil and other petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, to the black marketers.” It cannot be denied that the black marketing of petroleum products has become a lucrative business for the unemployed youths of the state, the police official, said.

Sikkim Govt lets ACT deadline pass

Gangtok, July 27: Members of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) continued their hunger strike as the government ultimatum ended at mid-day today.
In a letter to the ACT president yesterday, Sikkim chief secretary N. Chingapa had asked the protesters to withdraw their fast within 24 hours or face “action as per law”.
It was an intense day at B.L. House on Sonam Gyatso Marg — the site for the relay fast — where three monks and six others including three women continued their hunger strike. The site of the fast was surrounded by politicians cutting across party lines, journalists, intelligence personnel and ACT supporters, waiting for the “action” to take place. Two ACT members, Dawa T. Lepcha and Tenzing Lepcha, continued their fast for the 38th day today at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital.
Two minutes downhill from B.L. House, at Sadar police station, a platoon of Sikkim Armed Police stood prepared in combat fatigues and protection gear. Top district police officials had also assembled at the police station. However, the orders never came. No action was taken till late in the evening.
ACT members submitted a memorandum to Sikkim Governor V. Rama Rao in the afternoon, seeking his intervention. Following Chingapa’s ultimatum, Opposition leaders came together at Himalchuli here and passed a resolution for the formation of a joint action committee to “save democracy in Sikkim”.
In Kalimpong, GNLF branch president Dawa Pakhrin today appealed to the Sikkim government to ensure that the sanctity of Dzongu, which is considered holy by the Lepchas, is preserved.

ACT submits Memorandum To Sikkim Governor

ACT has refused to call off the indefinite hunger strike despite 24 Hours Government Warning, Braces itself for Police action

Gangtok:Sikkim Government had warned the hunger strikers on Thursday that it would declare ACT indefinite hunger strike illegal after 24 hours as it has accepted its main demand regarding setting-up of a review committee to examine all aspects of hydel projects in Dzongu but some elements within ACT has compromised and confused the strikers as it has not called off hunger strike despite Government taking all initiatives to address all genuine demands of ACT and provided sufficient opportunities to ACT members to present their case and Government claimed yesterday in its public statement that there does not seems to be "honest" intentions to resolve the issue.

Members of fears that they risked arrest as they have refused to call off their hunger strike. Two hunger strikers namely Dawa Lepcha & Tenzing Gyatso Lepcha were being dip-fed with glucose in hospital while the others were still continuing their fast at BL Bhawan.Doctors warned that the health of the fasters is deteriorating. Government officials also said that they cannot risk young lives at stake as it is seriously concerned about their health conditions and moreover, it believes hunger strikers are misguided by opposition parties and therefore it is doubtful if any fruitful decision would result after many rounds of dialogue as well as in principal acceptance of their prime demands.

ACT has refused to call off the indefinite hunger strike and continued their fast.The 24 hour ultimatum to call off the hunger strike ended in the afternoon today and peaceful protesters were expecting the police to turn up any moment to take action .

There was however, no action till late evening.

ACT members sat in protest peacefully waiting for action.

However, close to the site of the hunger strike, at Sadar Police Station, armed policemen of Sikkim Armed Police were preparing a mock drill wearing protection gear and combat fatigues along with all the top brass of the Police Force.ACT has also called on the Sikkim Governor Shri V. Rama Rao at Raj bhawan and submitted him a memorandum seeking his intervention fearing strong action may be taken against peaceful satyagrahis fasting to protest.As of now, no action has been taken by the police.

The indefinite hunger strike continues into its 39th day tomorrow and Dawa and Tenzing’s health is critical.

(Inputs from Weeping Sikkim blog)

Sikkim Democratic Front Meeting Held

Gangtok:"The government will never cow down to anti-people conspiracies”declared SDF party president Pawan Chamling at the Party’s Central Executive Committee meeting held on July26 at the SDF party H.Q.
A press release issued by SDF publicity secretary TN Sharma informs that during
The meet SDF Supremo Mr.Chamling stressed that the ongoing hydel projects in Sikkim were beneficial for Sikkimese people and that on their completion Sikkim would become the first state of the country to command the highest per capita income, adding that no development was possible without implementation of developmental projects.
He further highlighted that the hydel projects at Dzongu has been cleared after ensuring every safeguard towards maintaining the sanctity of the area and reiterated that every condition conceivable had been worked in to minimize the impact on the environment and culture of Dzongu.
On the upcoming Panchayat elections, Mr.Chamling urged his party members and workers to work hard and choose the right candidates. He also announced that the party would give tickets to loyal party supporters having ample knowledge of his or her village and society and assured that list of candidates would include retired employees, youth, senior citizens,monks and all concerned members of the society .
On the Sikkim Central University,Dr. Chamling pointed-out that Sikkim still lacked enough able professors for appointments and called upon the party members to ensure that the education system in the State stay out of political influence and remain clear of any politics .He called for the need for more Sikkimese youth to be encouraged to pursue higher education to the level of PhD degrees to fit the glaring gap.He added that Sikkim University should aspire to achieve standards and excellence at par with World’s renowned institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Press Club of Sikkim felicitates Prof. Mahendra P. Lama

Gangtok: Dr. Mahendra P. Lama, the newly appointed vice chancellor of Sikkim University was felicitated by Press Club of Sikkim(PCS) on July 27, 2007.Prof. Mahendra P. Lama of the School of International Studies, JNU, at the Centre for South, Central, South East Asian & South West Pacific Studies, has assumed the office of the first Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University w.e.f. the 2nd July, 2007.

While addressing the media person, Dr. Lama expected that this university will be an inclusive university to attain higher studies of excellence in various new faculties, which will cover not only bookish knowledge but of practical knowledge as well. He said that Sikkim must put every effort in education at least for 20 years very seriously so that human development and resource can be increased in order to build a strong society and nation. He also suggested to change the mental attitude of the people and work hard for meeting the cherished goal in life and education is a part and parcel of human being to be developed fully. He disclosed that the appropriate land is being identified to construct the infrastructure of university in 250 acres land required for the purpose and he has assumed with this new assignment with determination and mission in the life. He urged the media persons to come forward and co-operate in this mission.
Shri C.D. Rai, the President, Press Club of Sikkim expressed that he is fortunate enough to witness a mega event in his life because when he was a child there was no school in his village Namchi. Now there are many school and college and university is too being started. Shri Subash Deepak, Advisor and Sr. Journalist highlighted the profile of Dr. Lama and also read out the citation. Dr. Lama was felicitated by offering scarf and citation. Earlier, Shri Bhim Rawat, General Secretary of PCS delivered welcome speech, while Shri Paras Mani Dahal, Treasurer gave vote of thanks. The function was conducted by Shri Bijay Bantawa, Advisor of PCS

Sikkim Government Transfers

Gangtok: No. 469/G/DOP dated: 26/07/2007
The Governor is pleased to order the following with immediate effect:
1.Shri D.N.Sharma, Joint Director (Accounts) Human Resource Development Department is transferred and posted as Chief Accounts Officer, Social Justice, Empowerment & Welfare Department.
2.Shri C.L.Sharma, Deputy Chief Pay & Accounts Officer, Gangtok is transferred and posted as Senior Accounts Officer, Science and Technology Department. He will also be responsible for supervision of Accounts of Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology.
3.Shri Tseten Dorjee, Senior Accounts Officer, Commerce & Industries Department is transferred and posted as Senior Accounts Officer, Tourism Department, Gangtok.
4.Shri Patric Rai, Senior Accounts Officer, Human Resource Development Department, Gangtok is transferred and posted as Senior Accounts Officer Commerce & Industries Department vice Sl.No.3 above.
5.Shri Kalyan Dewan, Senior Accounts Officer, Pay & Accounts Office Gangtok is transferred and posted as Senior Accounts Officer, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Gangtok.
6.Shri Norbu Dadul, Senior Accounts Officer, Pay and Accounts Office Gangtok is transferred and posted as Deputy Chief Pay & Accounts Officer, Gangtok, vice Sl.No. 2 above.
7.Shri T.P.Rai, Accounts Officer, Building & Housing Department, Namchi is transferred and posted as Accounts Officer, Pay & Accounts Office Gangtok since promoted and transferred of Sl. No. 5 above.
8.Shri J.B.Karki, Accounts Officer, Tourism Department, Gangtok is transferred and posted as Accounts Officer, Pay and Accounts Office Gangtok.

Information On Road Conditions of Sikkim Today

Road Conditions of Sikkim
27/07/07
Name of Road
Status
East District
All Open
West District
Gyalshing - Tashiding via Yuksom
Open for Light vehicles only
Tashiding - Legship
Open for Light vehicles only
Naya Bazar - Gyalshing via Legship
Blocked
Dentam - Uttarey
Open for Light vehicles only
Naya Bazar - Rinchenpong via Mangalbaria
Blocked
Naya Bazar - Sombaria
Open for Light vehicles only
North District
Mangan - Dikchu
Blocked
Dikchu - Penlong via Rakdong
Open for Light vehicles only
South District
Ravong - Legshep
Open for Light vehicles only
Namchi - Rabong
Open for Light vehicles only
Namchi - Melli via Kitam
Blocked
Melli - Jorethang
Blocked
Namchi - Rangpo via Namthang
Blocked
Yangang - Lingmoo
Open for Light vehicles only
Rabong - Yangyang
Blocked

The status pertains to only the closed/blocked roads of the State
* For latest road conditions please call 03592- 202892
Courtesy: Sikkim Police (Communications)

Dr.Chamling Congratulates First Woman President of India

Gangtok:The ChiefMinister Pawan Chamling has congratulated the country's first woman president Ms.Pratibha Patil on assuming the highest office of country.

In his letter dated. July25 to Ms. Patil, the Chief Minister has extended his heartiest congratulations to Madam President.

The letter of Dr.Chamling reads ,"The people of Sikkim are overjoyed on her over whelming choice and the democracy in India has acquired a new dimension and received a welcome impetus by electing the first woman president of the country.

The Chief Minister has further said ,"We are confidence that under your experienced leadership and matured guidance,the country will march towards greater peace and prosperity".

On Service of Madam President : Vishal Chauhan ,IAS of Sikkim cadre

photo:Christy Leon Fernandez in Sikkim

New Delhi, July 27: Christy Leon Fernandez has been appointed as the new Secretary to President Pratibha Patil. Major General K. J. S. Oberoi, GOC Delhi, will be her Military Secretary.Christy Leon Fernandez has been been man behind opening of Nathula trade route and was in Sikkim on July5,2006 to attend Nathula opening celebrations at border.
The appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, an official release said.A 1973 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, Fernandez was Tourism Secretary.Vijay Thakur Singh, an IFS officer of 1985 batch, will be Social Secretary, a new post whereas, Barun Mitra, presently Joint Secretary in the President's Secretariat will be Joint Secretary in relaxation of the tenure norms.Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, an IAS officer of 1996 batch of Madhya Pradesh Cadre, will be Deputy Secretary in the post to be created.Vishal Chauhan 1998 batch IAS of Sikkim cadre will be another Deputy Secretary.The services of these officers would stand placed at the disposal of the President's Secretariat for a period co-terminus with the tenure of the President or until further others, whichever is earlier, the release added.

20 Mile landslide holds up Gangtok-Siliguri traffic

GANGTOK, July 26: A massive landslide at 20 Mile, Bardang near Singtam at about 9 a.m. held up traffic movement for over four hours on National Highway 31A, the lifeline to Sikkim, today.About 500 vehicles were stranded on either side of the slide till the GREF cleared the highway of debris and reopened it to traffic again. "The massive slide narrowly missed a lorry and a sports utility vehicle, which were crossing the spot at that moment, said Mr AK Yadav a GREF official. "Both vehicles got stuck in the slush and debris," he added. The disruption created a major panic and chaos among passengers who were traveling to and from Sikkim. "The landslide delayed me by four hours," said Mr Dipak Chettri a clerk from Tashiling Secretariat in Gangtok. He also said that the situation was panicky as the area is vulnerable to landslides. "Caught at the spot, we were fearing more slides as the rain continued unabated," he said summing up the general feeling. "A large police contingent has been pressed into service and the personnel are handling traffic movement at the slide site at Bardang," the DIG Range Mr Akshay Sachdeva, said. It took the GREF people four hours to clear the highway of debris and reopen the facility to traffic again. "Manual labour and an earth excavator were used to clear the road and extricate the two vehicles which were slugging in the debris," GREF official, said.

Vehicle falls into Teesta river

GANGTOK, July 27: A lorry bearing registration number WB-73/ 4438 fell into the Teesta river around 9.30 p.m. on night of July25 near the Gyelkhola area under Kalimpong sub-division. Two people ~ the driver and the handy boy ~ have gone missing. The lorry plunged about 200 feet into the Teesta river. According to police officials the rice loaded lorry was headed to a storehouse at Rangpo from the FCI godown at New Jalpaiguri. A rafting team from Melli has reached this morning and have started a search operation for the two accident victims.

Hunger strike over Sikkim's lost paradise

Gangtok: The images are distressing. Two men lie in hospital beds surrounded by their friends. The men barely move, too weak to even sit up. Occasionally, perhaps, one of them will move his head slowly. The friends stroke their foreheads or else rub their feet.
This is a hunger-strike for the YouTube generation. The two men - Dawa Lepcha and Tenzing Gvasto Lepcha - whose protest has been posted on the popular online video site, have not eaten for 39 days. Doctors at the hospital where they lie in the remote Indian state of Sikkim say they are getting weaker each day. There are serious concerns about the functioning of the men's kidneys.
The cause that has led these two men to take this drastic action and for their friends to post this powerful video on the internet is the very land on which they and their families live. A massive hydro-electric power scheme backed by the state government, consisting of more than 20 individual projects, threatens to drive the men and their neighbours from the land close to the Teesta river in the Dzongu region of the state. Campaigners say the project is illegal and claim the authorities have failed to obtain the necessary assessment of the impact the schemes will have.
This land is not only pristine - including as it does parts of a national park on which lies the world's third- highest mountain and a biosphere reserve - but to the people of the region it is also sacred.
The two men refusing food are both Lepcha, the indigenous people who have lived on the mountains for centuries and whose name for the region, Mayel Luang, roughly translates as "paradise". Some clans believe they were created by mother nature, others that mother nature created two deities who then created the Lepcha. The massive Kangchenjunga, reaching up to 28,169 feet, is considered holy.
"Their health is not very good. They are both in the hospital," said Sherab Lepcha, a member of the group Affected Citizens of Teesta who visits the two men every day. "[But] they are very determined."
The issue of hydro-electric schemes and dams driving people off the land in India is nothing new. Throughout the 1990s, there were widespread protests against the construction of massive dams in places such as Gujarat.
Activists have calculated that over the past 50 years, perhaps 33 million Indians have been forced from their land by such projects.
These protests drew the support of several high-profile figures, including the novelist and activist Arundhati Roy, who wrote of the victims in her essay The Greater Common Good: "The millions of displaced people don't exist any more. When history is written, they won't be in it. Not even as statistics. Some of them have subsequently been displaced three and four times - a dam, an artillery range, another dam, a uranium mine, a power project. Once they start rolling, there's no resting place."
The campaign against the projects on the Teesta river has so far gained little attention beyond the immediate locality and within the environmental community. That may be partly because of Sikkim's remoteness. This landlocked Himalayan region bordered by Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, was a semi-autonomous kingdom until as recently as 1975 when it became the 22nd state of the Indian Union. Today, Sikkim is India's least populous state and is famed for its wilderness areas and unspoilt landscapes.
Campaigners say that the hydro-electricity projects will forever change that and have a huge impact on the local people. "Displacement and resettlement is a highly conflictive and difficult issue, and the affected communities often become impoverished in the process," said Ann Ann-Kathrin Schneider, of the International Rivers Network, a US-based campaign group. "However, the displacement of indigenous people is even more difficult and there are practically no examples in the world where the resettlement of indigenous people has not destroyed their culture and social cohesion, as well as totally destroying their ability to economically support themselves."
Indeed, the campaigners say powerful impacts of the first of the hydro schemes - the 510 megawatt Teesta V project, which is under construction - have already been felt. "The work ... especially the construction of the tunnels for the water that will be diverted for hydro-power generation, has already caused much hardship," said Ms Schneider.
"Water resources have dried up, landslides in areas were people live have been caused and houses have been partly demolished by the construction of the tunnels. The dust pollution that is a by-product of the construction activity is so high that children in schools in the area are affected and fruit trees and other agricultural activities are affected. The productivity of the orchards and the fields has considerably reduced."
Proposals to build the series of dams and harness up to 3500mw of power first emerged in the late 1990s, and despite the protests the state government of Sikkim has so far not backed down from pressing ahead. It readily admits it is lured by the source of wealth the project represents, and says it has negotiated a deal with the private developer of 12 per cent of the generated energy for the first 15 years after completion.
The government believes that the Teesta is ideal for generating electricity because the river plunges down deep gorges, dropping 13,123 feet (4,000 metres) over its initial 50 miles.
In a statement, the state government said it had initiated hydro-electricity schemes to utilise the available natural resource to attain self-reliance, in order to raise the Sikkimese people's socio-economic position and generate adequate revenue for the state.
But the Lepchas are not convinced. Sherab Lepcha, worried about the fate of his friends in the hospital, added: "If the people are driven off the land, there will be nowhere for cultivation. There will be nowhere to go."

(Independent, UK)

Big Bazaar Opens @ Kadambari Rink Mall ,Darjeeling

Darjeeling, July 27: The opening of a departmental store today triggered a human deluge in the hill town.
A Big Bazaar — the brand name for stores under the Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited chain — opened shop at Kadambari Rink Mall this morning. This is the first venture of the group in north Bengal. The store is expected to be officially inaugurated by the end of August.
By 3pm, an estimated 7,000 people had already visited the retail outlet with the swelling crowd covering every inch of the 35,000sqft shopping space. In fact, fear of a stampede forced the store authorities to stop the entry of customers for almost an hour.
According to residents of the town, the extraordinary rush could be attributed to the special opening offers.
“On a buy of more than Rs 999 today every family will receive 1kg of sugar and 1kg of wheat flour free, every month for the next one year,” said Pasang Agarwal, a resident of the town who visited the store.
The present outlet has 10 units dedicated to everything from food items to branded electronic goods and appliances.
“The range of products is impressive and the prices are good,” said Palmu Yolmo. “There was discounts up to 60 per cent on most of the items on sale.”
Big Bazaar also plans to increase its shopping space to 51,000sqft within a couple of months.
“We made our entry in north Bengal from Darjeeling as we believe it makes business sense to enter virgin markets. The response is there for you to see,” said Sandeep Marwal, the business head (eastern region) of Pantaloon Retail (I) Ltd. “Once we increase our floor space, we will incorporate entertainment, gaming, lounge bar and hair salon.”
“Once our business stabilises, we will introduce fruits and vegetables too. We will buy these items from the local market as we believe they too should grow with our entry,” Marwal added.

Sikkim Jewels to go global

Gangtok, Jul 26 (UNI) The Sikkim Jewels Ltd (SJL) has forwarded a proposal by premier Swiss company AMICOT to the state government to upgrade and expand its market.AMICOT's modernisation plan includes technology transfer, new machines, manpower training and access to international markets for SJL.''After studying the AMICOT report, we have submitted it to the state government with certain recommendations,'' SJL MD Pawan Kumar Awasty told media here today.The Swiss company and SJL, a government enterprise, had signed an MoU on March 16 last year to ensure the economic sustainability in both domestic and international export market.AMICOT had proposed to provide Sikkim Jewels with the latest technology inputs and required technical support to modernise and upgrade its machinery, production capacity and examine the kind of diversification required.AMICOT chairman Allen Gasser had visited SJL on July last year to have a first hand view for the company's upgradation and submitted a a detailed report later. He said it would be working to give Sikkim Jewels a good market in India, especially in the middle level segment, act as distributors of the products in the global market and work as technical consultants.Presently SJL supplies 60 per cent of its watch jewels to AMICOT, 30 per cent to Titan and the remaining products to manufacturers of industrial energy and water meters. ''Business with AMICOT has improved after Chief Minister Pawan Chamling visited Switzerland last year,'' Mr Awasthy said.With an annual turnover of Rs three crores for the past few years, the company is looking for new markets, the MD said adding that AMICOT had helped the company to expand globally and stay competitive. SJL, established in 1972, was a major supplier of jewels to HMT watches.

Heavy rains triggered landslides strucks Sikkim

Gangtok: Fresh landslides coupled with lashing rain in the past 24 hours have made restoration work on roads almost impossible in Sikkim.
While large stretches of West and South districts remained inaccessible from the previous week’s mudslips, traffic movement on NH31A was interrupted today because of debris that rolled down the mountainside between Rangpo and Singtam at 20th Mile near Bardang, 30km from here.
Though small vehicles were allowed to pass through in the morning, the movement was stopped altogether a few hours later.
Major state highways around Gyalshing, the West Sikkim headquarters, remain blocked. The district has been the worst hit with acute shortage of water supply because of damaged pipelines.
The Legship-Tashiding road is still closed with some 30m of the stretch having been washed away in last week’s slide. So are the Yuksom-Tashiding, Rimbi-Khecheopalri-Yuksom, Darap-Nambu and Pelling-Dentam roads. The district collector (West), Nitesh Jha, and senior officials have already visited the sites several times.
A house covered with falling debris in Kalimpong. Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha
“Landslides between Gyalshing and Pelling have affected the water supply in Gyalshing, Tikjuk, Pelling and Rabdentse. It is likely to be restored in the next few days,” said Jha.
The district administration has asked the petrol pumps in Gyalshing and Legship to maintain buffer stocks. Drivers have been told to get fuel coupons from Gyalshing police.
“We have only 1,500 litres of petrol with us. Supply will be hampered if it continues to rain like this,” said Jigme Bhutia, the district planning officer. Each taxi is being permitted 10 litre a day.
In Rabongla, a subdivisional town in South Sikkim, 26 houses were reported damaged. The families have been shifted to safer locations. District collector (south) D. Anandan has visited the affected villages.

www.abdulkalam.com

Ex-President of India Dr. Kalam continues to inspire - from personal website

New Delhi/Chennai, July 26 : Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's newly designed website - with the motto "a site of inspiration and nation building" - became operational Thursday night, bringing joy to thousands of his fans. Earlier in the day, hundreds of fans of Kalam, who demitted office Wednesday, were shocked to find all his inspiring speeches and comments absent from their favourite website www.presidentofindia.nic.inThe new-look site, www.abdulkalam.com, includes his major speeches - including those to students and faculty of the Anna University in Chennai Thursday - and his thanksgiving address to the nation Tuesday.Re-launched at 7.30 p.m., the site recorded more than 7,400 visitors within a couple of hours.Kalam's speeches, presentations and inspiring thoughts used to be hosted on the official website of the Indian president, www.presidentofindia.nic.in, which after the change of guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan Wednesday has been "under construction". "The website is to be modified because Kalam has become the ex-president and all references to him have to be changed according to that. So it is under renovation for two-three days," said an official at Rashtrapati Bhavan.For the last five years, the 'presidentofindia' site hosted e-mail to and from Kalam, chats, speeches and lectures, his books, poems, his biography and his vision. It had a children's corner as well as a speech-enabled site for the visually challenged.Every day, 250,000 visitors had visited the site and at times there were more than 500,000 hits on a single day. Sources said this month at least a 10 million people visited the website.

Kalam's personal website , www.abdulkalam.com, was originally launched on his 69th birthday, which he celebrated on Oct 15, 2001, before he became president. Infosys Technologies chief mentor N.R. Narayan Murthy launched it.

Sikkim Government To Declare 'ACT' Strike As Illegal

Government of Sikkim gives 24 hrs time to call of the indefinite hunger or else it shall be term ACT strike as illegal and necessary action taken as per law

Gangtok,July26: The official statment of Government of Sikkim released to Media today and re-produced as under:
For arriving at an amicable settlement to the ongoing hunger strike called by the members of ACT a series of meetings had been held by the officials of the Government with their representatives during the past one month. On the direction of the Hon'ble Chief Minister further negotiations were held with the members of the ACT and on their request for a review of the various aspects of the hydro electric projects, the Government communicated its decision to set up a committee to examine their request and give its report within a month.However, at the meeting held on 25th July, 2007 the members of ACT demanded that the committee be headed by a person acceptable to them and that half the members should be from ACT. They would be able to call off the hunger strike only when the notification for such a committee was issued by the Government.

3. The State Government stand was that the committee should be comprised of all sections of the people of Djongu and not only of ACT so that the issues could be examined appropriately and a just and fair decision arrived at in public interest.

4. The Chief Secretary once again appealed to the members of the ACT to accept the stand of the Government and call off their hunger strike so that the Government can take further necessary action at the earliest.


The letter to ACT from The Chief Secretary,Government of Sikkim is reproduced below:

THE CHIEF SECRETARY'S LETTER No. 77/SKM/CS/2007 DATED July 26, 2007 TO ACT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARYGOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM
GANGTOK No. 77/SKM/CS/2007 July 26, 2007


The PresidentAffected Citizens of Sikkim @ACT,Gangtok.

Sir,

1.The State Government is in receipt of your letter dated 25th July, 2007 along with the resolutions adopted by you.
2. As already informed at the meeting on 25.7.2007 at Samman Bhawan any committee to be set up by the State Government has to comprise of all sections of the people of the Dzongu and not only of ACT so that the issues are examined appropriately and a just and fair decision arrived at in public interest.
3. The State Government has also viewed with extreme concern the shouting of slogans just outside the gates of Samman Bhawan by one of your representative of causing "Bomb Blasts" in Sikkim as the demands were not being met. In such circumstances there cannot be any negotiations or a proper meeting unless your organization is rid of such elements and the influence of vested interests.
4. The State Government is also in receipt of a notice from the Central Empowered Committee set up by the Hon'ble Supreme Court. Examination of the same has revealed that ACT have already filed a case relating to the hydel electric project before the appropriate authority for just relief. As the case is already before a judicial authority the ACT should clarify as to what reliefs are expected from the State Government otherwise it appears that the ACT have a lack of faith in the judicial system and the rule of law.
5. The State Government has also taken note of your letter head indicating your organization to be "AFFECTED CITIZEN OF SlKKIM." in place of AFFECTED CITIZEN OF TEESTA"as you have claimed earlier. This, combined with the unlawful blockade of Sikkim on the only highway connecting the State to the rest of the country organized with the help of outside forces, and your representative indicating that "Bomb Blasts" would be caused, makes the Government believe your organization has since come to be infiltrated by anti-social elements and is now under the influence of vested interests and outside forces that are inimical to the peace and tranquility prevailing in the State.
6. Under the circumstances indicated above it is doubtful if any fruitful decision would result from further meetings. On your own admission vide your letter dated 21st July, 2007, " two desperate Lepcha youth members of ACT are battling for life" at the STNM Hospital. The State Government would like to make it clear that in case anything happens to the said youth the responsibility for same shall rest squarely upon the ACT leadership. The State Government has had a number of meetings with members of the ACT and addressed your genuine concerns. Sufficient opportunities have been given to you to present your case but there does not seem to have an honest intention on your part to resolve the issues.
7. The State Government would like to sincerely appeal to the genuine members of the ACT to faithfully introspect on the ongoing strike and the likelihood of it being used by anti-national and anti­State forces to serve their vested interests. It is, therefore, once again requested that the hunger strike be called off in public interest within twenty four hours from the time of receipt of this letter, failing which the State Government would have no alternative but to take necessary action as per law.
Yours faithfully
sd/-N.D.ChingapaChief Secretary
(courtesy: Weeping Sikkim Blog)

The Darjeeling Limited Movie Poster, Movie Trailer Premiere

The theatrical movie poster for Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums director Wes Anderson’s next film The Darjeeling Limited was released online lastweek.

now here it is - the movie trailer for Wes Anderson’s new movie The Darjeeling Limited. The film is “An emotional comedy about three brothers re-forging family bonds. The eldest, played by Wilson, hopes to reconnect with his two younger siblings by taking them on a train trip across the vibrant and sensual landscape of India.”
Darjeeling seems to be everything I imagined it would be. I’m happy that Anderson decided to use his regular music selections and not some Indian tunes. The soundtracks for Anderson’s other films are just so wonderful, usually consisting of a certain type of rock music which most of the time sounds like it came from a short period 30 years ago. And an all Indian soundtrack would have been disappointing for most fans. Check out the new trailer after the jump.

The Darjeeling Limited hits theaters on September 29th 2007.

Probe into Idol wardrobe for Prashant Tamang

Darjeeling, July 26: Indian Idol - III producers now face a police probe for dressing up Darjeeling boy Prashant Tamang as a chowkidar.
The chief judicial magistrate’s court today asked Darjeeling police to find out whether Fremantle Production Asia, the producer, and Sony Entertainment Television, the broadcaster, showed the Gorkha community in poor light. The investigating officer has to submit a report on July 31.
In the episode telecast on July 19, Tamang, a Calcutta police constable, recreated a scene from the 1974 film Kasauti and sang Hum bolega to bologe ke bolta hai . But his attire sparked off angry protests.
Lawyer Taranga Pandit filed a case against the Fremantle general manager and Sony managing director, accusing them of wilfully insulting the Gorkha community. The case was registered under sections 153A (promoting enmity bet-ween classes and races) and 153B (imputations, assertion prejudicial to national integration) of the IPC. Offences under these sections are non-bailable and can bring jail for up to three years.
Noella Edwards, also a lawyer, said the CJM has accepted that there is a prima-facie case.
“If the CJM has ordered a probe, we are bound to obey,” said Darjeeling superintendent of police Rajesh Subarno.
The residents of Batasia organised a protest rally in Darjeeling today in which hundreds participated. The traditional dress of the Gorkha community is the daura suruwal, not the uniform of a chowkidar with a baton and a Nepali topi, they said.

Sikkim Goethalites Mourns S. W .Tenzing

Gangtok:The members of the Goethals Alumni,Sikkim Chapter in a meeting held on July22 has passed a resolution to convey their deep condolences to the bereaved family on the passing away of Former Chief Secretary S W Tenzing ,batch of1964, who had also been Vice President of the association.

A press release informs that meeting was marked with two minute of silence observed in the memory of departed soul to pay their respect.

White Alto Car falls 500 ft down from Geyzing Road

Geyzing: An accident near Devi Mandir of Geyzing was reported On July,24 around 8AM proved fatal for its driver when a White Alto SK-04-7884 swerved off the road and plunged down some 500 feet killing the driver on the spot while another occupant suffered grievous injuries.
The driver was 21years old Alit Rana of khani Siribung under Chakung constituency while the survivor is 17years old Surjay Kumar Rana of Bermiok presently undergoing treatment at Geyzing District Hospital.
It was learned that deceased’s brother and the owner of the vehicle, Dilip Rana works as driver at the District hospital here, and at the time of accident duo were on their way from Geyzing to meet Dilip Rana.
Cause of accident is yet to be ascertained but locals believe that heavy rain in morning of accident day could have made Alto Car skid off the road.
The body of the deceased has been taken to the District Hospital for post-mortem.

"SIKKIM REVENUE SERVICE" NOTIFIED

State Government has recently constituted the Sikkim Revenue Service , the composition of same as notified with the authorized strength and composition of its each grades. Sikkim Revenue Service Rules,2007 notification mandates
That the service has 23 members including a Commissioner in super-time Grade I ,a Special Commissioner, a Additional Commissioner, four Joint Commissioner, six Deputy Commissioners and ten Assistant Commissioners. All persons holding the post included in the service, other than those on a purely temporary arrangement or contract shall be deemed to have been absorbed in the service.
All further appointment to this Service will be made by the Governor and the method of appointment is either by direct recruitment or by competitive examination to beheld by the Sikkim Public Service Commission or by promotion.

Government of Sikkim Agrees to ACT

GOVT. AGREES TO ACT DEMAND FOR REVIEW COMMITTE;ACT DEMANDS 50% REPRESENTATION ON COMMITTE.

The ongoing ACT led hunger-strike protests against hydroelectric projects in North Sikkim were within a whisker of resolution yesterday but got staled due to technicalities even as Dawa Lepcha & Tenzing Gyatso Lepcha completed 36th days of fast.
In a bid to find an amicable solution after a series of meetings between representatives of ACT and high powered committee constituted by Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling ,the state government has agreed to set up a review committee following Sikkim CM ‘s directions .
However,a meeting held at Samman Bhawan on July 25, 2007 ,members of ACT demanded that the committee should be headed by a person acceptable to them and that at least 50% of committee members strength should be nominated by ACT and it has forwarded six names recommended by it for inclusion in Review Committee. These names are Ligden Lama, Dawa Lepcha, Pemzang Tenzing, Tseten Lepcha,Choppel Lepcha and Tempa Gyatso.
Meanwhile,the State government clarified that committee will comprise of all sections of people from Dzongu and not just the members of the ACT so that issue could be examined appropriately and a just&fair decision could be arrived in larger public interest.
ACT Chief Convener Tseten Lepcha has informed that an immediate issue of notification on review committee by state government as pre-condition to calling off of the hunger strike.
Chief Secretary in an official communication to ACT president reiterated the State Government’s commitment to uphold the sanctity of Dzongu and Old Laws as protected under the constitution of India and further agreed to review all aspects of hydel projects through constitution of a committee as per memorandum submitted to Chief Minister by ACT on 12 December 2006 and further assuring that “the Government will act as per the recommendation of the Committee” and also assurance that said committee would be directed to submit report within the time frame of a month.
Acting upon the official communication from government, ACT members sat in a meeting at the BL House, decided to lay down 3 conditions for the composition of this review committee:
1.That Committee be headed by an independent person who is well versed in social, religious ,environmental, and technical aspects of projects.
2.That 50%of committee members be nominated by ACT.
3.That an immediate official government notification for the constitution of Review Committee as per agreed terms and conditions be issued by the state government

Several Roads blocked in Sikkim

Landslides hit Sikkim.25 Houses Damaged In Ravangla

Gangtok,July26 :The incessant rainfall caused heavy damaged to many houses and roads within last seven days in several parts of Sikkim. Some houses were damaged at Ronpoo and South Sikkim. The incessant rainfall caused heavy damaged to the road at Kolej Khola and another road linking Jorethang and Legship on July 16 and it is understood that it will take time to restore the vehicular movement in this road. As a result, people are facing trouble in this area.

Geyzing's two landslides continues to cause problems although one has been restored,other still remains troublesome.These two landslides - one at Legship-Tashiding-Phatak and other at Kalej Khola on the Legship Jorethang Road occurred on July 16 and snapped the two entry points into Geyzing .

Heavy rainfall on 18 July caused two houses,belonging to Dawa Tshering Bhutia and Sonam Bhutia at Samrok Village in Sattam block under Ralong constituency has reported to have suffered major damages.Both families were evacuated and are being provided alternate shelters.

DC (south) D.Anandan accompanied by SDM Ravangla, Norzing Tshering visited the affected areas of Ravangla wherein 25 houses were declared unsafe after spot survey.

SPCC: Dzongu is not a political issue

GANGTOK, July25: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) today denied chief minister Mr Pawan Chamling’s allegation that members of the affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) who are on a hunger strike to protest against the upcoming hydroelectric projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim, are backed by the Opposition parties of the state. “The ACT activists are fasting for a genuine cause. They do not need anyone’s support,” the SPCC president and former chief minister, Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari, said here today. Reacting to Mr Chamling’s allegation, the ACT general secretary, Mr Dawa Lepcha, said: “We have launched the agitation to save our land. The CM’s allegation that the Opposition parties are supporting us is totally baseless. Protecting environment and sanctity of Dzongu is not a political issue.” Mr Kunga Nima Lepcha, a spokesperson of the SPCC, said that the chief minister and the Dzongu MLA are trying to mislead the people by claiming that over 300 people from Dzongu participated in a recent SDF meeting in the area. “The SDF hired people from different parts of the state and carried them to Dzongu in vehicles. Later, they claimed that those who participated in the meeting were all Lepchas from Dzongu,” Mr Lepcha, alleged. “In total disregard of the Sikkim Government Servant Conduct Rules, the state government employees are openly and persistently participating in the political activities of the SDF,” the SPCC president, Mr Bhandari, said. “The state government should take disciplinary action against these employees,” he added. Mr Bhandari lambasted the state government for its apparent failure in dealing with the ACT’s hunger strike. “It is unfortunate that the government is not taking the matter seriously,” Mr Bhandari, said.

ACT Meeting With Sikkim Chief Minister Only if...

Gangtok, July 25: Another meeting between members of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) and the high powered committee of the Sikkim government ended in a stalemate today.
ACT representatives claimed that they had been told earlier in the day that Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling would meet them. However, when they reached Samman Bhavan later in the evening, they were informed that the meeting with Chamling could take place only if they gave up the hunger strike that entered the 35th day today
The ACT members then met the high-powered committee .
Representatives of the body pressed for the formation of an independent committee to review the hydel power projects.

Free Meals For In-Patients of Manipal Central Referral Hospital,Gangtok

Gangtok: The Central Referral Hospital at 5Th mile has started the free distribution of meals on daily basis starting from April,2007 in their efforts to help family members solve the inconvenience in bringing food for their patient admitted in the Mani pal Hospital. This initiative of CRH has resulted in providing much relief to families and well wishers of patient thus making it only hospital in private sector in India distributing three meals a day to in-patients.

The Medical Superintendent of CRH informs that the dietitian of the Hospital is responsible for chalking out the diet plan of the patients making sure individual patient gets to eat a balanced diet comprising 1800 calories,50gm proteins and at least 30 grams of fat .

For breakfast,an individual gets tea and snacks comprising bun,biscuits,or bread.Likewise,rice,chapatti,Dal,vegetable salad,sweet dish,and fruits has been included for lunch and for dinner a patient can avail of rice,Dal,vegetable salad and eggs.

The in-patients and their family members say that meals being served at Mani pal Hospital are fresh and hygienic.

Dawa & Tenzing at STNM Hospital,Gangtok: Day 34 Video

The ACT hunger strikers led by Duo Dawa Lepcha & Tenzing Lepcha are on their thirty six day of the fast, with only couple of glasses of water to sustain their body. Their health condition is deteriorating day by day, but their determination is never deterred.The Indefinite Hunger Strike at BL House,Tibet Road, Gangtok, is part of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) led lepcha People's Movement, pressing demands for review of Panan Hydro Project at Dzongu,North Sikkim.

Current updates, photos, and messages to the hunger strikers can be viewed at http://weepingsikkim.blogspot.com/

Sikkim gets its high from hard liquors

NEW DELHI: According to WHO's Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004, consumption of hard liquor ranges from a high of 43 litres per capita per annum in Pondicherry to barely about half a litre in Bihar and Jharkhand, according to last year's report of the ministry of food processing.

That would put Pondicherry pretty close to the top of the global charts. If, for instance, all of the 43 litres is Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), that would be equivalent to 18.4 litres of pure alcohol (since the alcohol content of IMFL is 42.8% volume-by-volume). Add a bottle of beer each month per capita to that number and Uganda's 19 litres per capita per annum would be within striking distance.

There is a caveat, though. In India, the highest consumption levels are recorded in Pondicherry, Chandigarh, Goa and Delhi in that order. Since all of these have lower taxes on alcohol than their neighbouring states, their consumption numbers are almost certainly boosted by people from across the border buying cheap liquor. In the case of Pondicherry and Goa, the high volume of tourists relative to the local population could also be contributing to the high consumption figures.

Barring these exceptionally high consumption areas, among the states, the highest consumption of hard liquor is in Punjab and Haryana - over 6 litres per capita per annum — followed by Sikkim, Karnataka (just under 6 litres in both) and Andhra Pradesh (5 litres) in that order. Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which had figured as high alcohol consuming states in 2003, are now down to 11th and 12th place in terms of per capita consumption.

Interestingly, most states that figure at the bottom of the list like Orissa, West Bengal, Manipur, Bihar, Jharkhand and so on, are states which have a culture of consuming locally brewed alcohol or traditional brews like mahua, chhang or handia. This could be one reason why the consumption of liquor seems so low in these states as the local brews would not figure in the official figures. What is accounted for as country liquor (CL) in the official data only includes brews for which there are officially licenced vends.

The government estimate of 5.8 million cases of illicit liquor being sold annually in the country is dismissed by the liquor industry as hugely underestimated. Even the official figure for Kerala's liquor consumption does not include 280 lakh cases of toddy, which works out to roughly over 15 litres per capita. But the alcohol content of toddy is low, anything between 5% and 8%, which makes it only somewhat stronger than normal beer. Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland and Lakshadweep are prohibition states and hence there is no official record of how much alcohol flows there illegally.

The official data also confirms that India remains partial towards coloured liquor as opposed to white spirits like vodka or gin. North and west India consume more of whisky and the south more of brandy and rum, if the numbers are right. On the whole, India is seen as whisky country, as it accounts for over 55% of all IMFL sold. Rum comes in a poor second at 27%, followed by brandy at 14%. Gin accounts for a mere 3% and vodka just 1%.
About 80% of whisky is sold at below Rs 200 per bottle and only 1% at above Rs 600. However, whisky is slowly losing out to other drinks. From a market share of over 65% just three to four years back, whisky has declined to 55%, while the market for other drinks has grown. The biggest growth is seen in the vodka segment, about 25% annually, though it is mostly in urban centres. The IMFL segment as a whole is estimated to be growing at nearly 11% each year.

The beer market too is growing, though at a much slower 5.5% per annum. Andhra Pradesh is the largest consumer of beer (over 18% of the beer sold in India) followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Together, these states account for nearly 60% of the beer consumed in the country.

The Indian wine market is much smaller, though growing steadily. Within this small niche, the share of red wine is 39%, white wine 37%, sparkling wine 7% and fortified wine 17%. Mumbai accounts for approximately 40% of the country's wine sales.

The Film Festival In Sikkim

Raman Shrestha a young entrepreneur in Sikkim organised a film festival for the outstanding South-Asian documentaries which was incidentally the first ever festival to be held in the Himalayan State to encourage the youth participation in cinema. The festival is aimed at providing a platform to the documentary filmmakers and as a medium to highlight the issue that concerns South Asia at large.

The restaurant at Sikkim House,Kolkatta

Kolkatta:The gastronomical needs of the Sikkimese population are nowadays fulfilled through countless Tibetan eateries that have mushroomed around the city of Kolkatta. “The Sikkimese cuisine comprises the Tibetan staples too, momos and thukpa (noodles in soup). Since momos are hugely popular with Kolkatans, there are quite a few restaurants that serve this dish. Though the quality of the food is something I have serious doubts about,” states Sonam Wangchuk, an employee with TCS. The true flavours of Sikkim, he adds, can be sampled only in one particular eatery in the city: the restaurant at Sikkim House. “ The shaley (a meat pie) there is simply out of this world. It makes me feel at home,” sums up Wangchuk.

Sikkim House, Kolkatta
Sikkim House (STDC) Middleton Street

Kolkatta 033-22815328

French trio under wildlife scanner Fined

Gangtok:Three French nationals who were charged under the Wildlife Protection Act after they were caught collecting butterflies, moths and beetles in a reserve forest in West Sikkim would be asked to leave Sikkim as Foreign Registration office has been asked to cancel their inner line permit by Forest officials .Inner line permit is required to visit Sikkim by foreigners.

Forest officials picked up the trio on last Friday evening. While they were not formally arrested, but were holed up in a hotel in Gayzing, the West district headquarters.The three has been brought to Gangtok on july23 from West Sikkim.

Ludivine Jeannine Charlotte Popihn, a 21-year-old woman, and her two male companions, Mathew Grevereau Francois, 21, and Arnaud Jean Raymond Popihn, 23, were collecting the specimens at Budang reserve forest near Soreng.They were in possession of 41 specimens, which are protected under various schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act.

The three were detained in Budang reserve forest near Soreng. They say they were collecting the insects only for research purposes and were not involved in wholesale theft. The three accused say that they are students of ecology and were collecting the samples for study purpose.

Chief wildlife warden at the forest secretariat here in Gangtok during investigation came to conclude that the specimens in their possession were not rare and endangered species therefore no charges or formal arrests are being made by state government. During probe it came to light that trio were in Sikkim as a part of an educational study tour of Himalayan butterflies, moths ,beetles and other Himalayan species and Their tour was organised by a French Institute .However the enquiry concluded yesterday despite the da being a state holiday and forest officials found the trio guilty of violation of Wildlife laws and therefore a fine of Rs.25,000/- slapped on each which hasto be deposited by tomorrow failing which they would be liable to face prosecution

Seven years ago two Russians were arrested under similar charges, and subsequent investigations found that they had been collecting rare species of butterflies.
They served a short prison sentence.

The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) Appeal To Sikkim CM For Projects Review

ACT for an independent quasi-judicial committee to review all projects

Gangtok: The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) has written to Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling asking for an independent quasi-judicial committee to review all projects including those proposed in the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu.
In the letter, the ACT members thanked the chief minister for his pledge to uphold the sanctity of Dzongu and added that they had always sought an amicable and peaceful solution to the problem.
“Since negotiations with the authorised committee seem to have reached a stalemate, we seek your direct intervention in this matter,” read the letter signed by ACT president Athup Lepcha and other senior members.
The ACT members have demanded that the composition of the committee would have to be agreeable to both sides. They have also demanded that all activities related to the Panan hydel project in Dzongu, including land acquisition, be kept in abeyance.
A meeting between the chief minister and ACT seems likely tomorrow, according to some of the mediators.
The hunger strike led by ACT general secretary Dawa Lepcha and 20-year-old Tenzing Lepcha has entered the 35th day today. The two are continuing their fast at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital where they are admitted. Both are suffering from high fever, headaches and nausea, sources said.