Sikkim Attempts Revival of Dried Lakes

Gangtok: 7th July:During the recent village tour of South and West districts, the Sikkim Chief Minister Chamling had raised concerns about the drying up of lakes and had directed that revival and regeneration should be initiated. In this respect, an inter departmental meeting was organized by RM&DD, chaired by Minister RM&DD, Shri C.B.Karki in the presence of Minister Forest, Shri Bhim Dhungel and other senior officers from Forest, Mines and Geology and RM&DD. The need to adopt a scientific approach, duly taking into consideration the catchment, geology, geohydrology and hydrometeorology was highlighted in this meeting. The initiative to revive Nagi lake by piping spring water from far away and the recent studies on reviving select lakes conducted by Mines and Geology Department as well as ACWADAM, Pune (Advanced Centre for Water Resources Development and Management) were also presented. During the meeting it was decided to take up the revival of 10 dried up lakes in the first phase by taking up recharge measures along the lines of Dhara Vikas. The strategy for revival would be to develop the lake as a recharge structure and not as a cemented storage structure. Only soil and moisture conservation works, afforestation, contour trenches and dug-out-ponds would be constructed in the recharge area to trap the surface runoff. An action plan for revival would be prepared by a joint team with representatives from the three departments who would be visiting the field shortly. The composition of this joint team to prepare the scientific revival plan was also finalized.

A trip to Mystical Gurudongmar Lake

‘Go out alone on the hills and listen. You will hear much. The winds will be more than sound; the stream will not be merely the babbling of hurrying water. The trees and flowers are not so separate from you, but very near. Alone amidst nature, a man learns to be one with all and all with one.`

Inspired by Frank Smithe’s words, we began our planning for a ‘great escape’ in the Trans-Himalayan region of Sikkim. Our destination was lake Gurudongmar- the largest and most sacred lake of the state situated at an altitude of 17,800. After reaching New Jalpaiguri, we rushed to Gangtok by a car. It’s a 124 kilometre drive. Near Sevok, we were welcomed by mighty river Teesta of North Bengal. At Gangtok we took our time off in a hostel. All of us were excited because the next day we were about to start for Lachen the gateway of Gurudongmar.

Next morning we woke up early. We kept most of our luggage in the cloakroom except the winter garments and necessary medicines. Our tour operator introduced our driver, Sering and our guide, Satish to us.

Lachen is 126 km from Gangtok. Travelling 32 kilometres via North Sikkim highway, we came across the Seven Sisters Waterfalls. We took photographs and started again before stopping at Menchu falls another picturesque beauty of nature. We had our lunch at Phodong. Mangan the district headquarters of North Sikkim, which is 70 kilometres away from Gangtok is famous for large cardamom. Mt. Kanchenjunga the the third highest peak of the world and Mt Sinialchu worlds most beautiful peak are located near the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and the emerging point of river Teesta. Lachen is only 29 kilometres from here.

We reached Lachen at about 5 pm. Lachen, a small village is situated at an altitude of 8,960. The rays of the setting sun made the peak mysteriously beautiful. The beauty of nature spellbound us. Next day we got up very early. As we opened the window, we had a glorious scene. The magnificent Lachen peak was welcoming the rising sun. It seemed as if someone has decorated the peak with golden streaks and the peak was looking gorgeous again. As the time scrolled by, the golden colour turned to silver. Paying homage to the mighty Himalayas, two cars started for our ultimate destination, Gurudongmar, which is 61 kilometres from Lachen. After 5 kilometres we entered into the world of snow. Patches of snow were accumulated on both sides of the road. Army bulldozer has cleared the ice from the road made driving possible.

After 28 kilometres we came to Thangu –a small village at an altitude of 14,000. The valley was covered with fresh snow. Ice sicklers were hanging from the roofs and windowpanes of the houses. The alpine forests were found wrapped in snow. From Thangu, the road became extremely narrow and rough. Here, we stepped into the alpine meadow region. Scarcity of oxygen made it difficult to breathe. At last we reached the army check post. Once the routine formalities were over, the army men invited us for tea.

Now, the enthralling journey through landmines and army bunkers began. Altitude sickness is an acute problem of this route. Within a few minutes we encountered a real danger. The road was covered with snow and the drivers could not trace the thickness of the snow at one junction. As a result the wheels of our vechiles got stuck in snow. We encounter breathing problems thereafter, which became acute. However, army men came to our rescue with iron rope and shovel and we manage to escape.

Again we started and this time we requested the army men to accompany us. After half an hour drive, it was impossible to cut the snow and drive, hence we decided to trek for one kilometre to reach Gurudongmar. After the tedious trek we reached our dream destination Gurudongmar. The ice-cold water of the lake was turquoise blue in colour and surmounted by the mighty Himalayas. The peculiarity about the lake is that it never freezes completely even under such temperature zone. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava touched the lake whilst he visited Tibet. The beauty of this lake is splendid and a mere photograph can’t be a complement to its grace. On the bank of the lake was a temple dedicated to religious harmony. As per rituals we placed five rocks on top of each other and made wishes. Our eyes were full of satisfaction. We were in such an ecstasy that we forgot the miseries of life. And that perhaps enthrall us to decide that we will make a trip to this place once again.

DANNY DENZONGPA FISHES FOR LOCALES AT MEMENCHU LAKE

Famed Bollywood artiste Danny Denzongpa visits the trout breeding farm of Department of Fisheries at Memenchu lake on Tuesday. He had stayed overnight at the lake and had visited the area to scout for locales to shoot for an upcoming venture. Also seen in the picture is Range Officer KT Bhutia briefing the guest about the farm which rears ‘Brown Trout.’

Sikkim gets first heavy snowfall of season

TheSikkimTimes is excited to announce the first snowfall of the 2009-2010 season in Sikkim. The heavy snowfall has been reported in the mountainous corridors of the Nathula border while the holy lake of Guru Dongmar is already wearing a blanket of snow. Nathula Pass and its nearby tourist spots have been receiving heavy snowfall since tuesday  night. It started to snow in nathula at around tuesday midnight, much to the delight of those in the hospitality industry.


Tourists proceeding to the Nathula border couldnot reach their destination due to heavy snowfall but they arenot complaining as they were able to touch and beautiful sight of snow all around. It was welcome sign for many as being the first heavy snowfall.and most of the roads blocked by fresh snow but cleared immediately . But army personnels have done a good and quick job, rescued the visitors, some got sickness among them.


All the high passes of Sikkim are now under snow cover. Normally snowfall occurs in the months of the November to February and therefore signs of snowfall in early October is a bit unexpected but welcome sight to tourists as well as those in travel industry.

Tsongmo Lale near Gangtok faces threat of pollution

GANGTOK, 7 AUG: The State Pollution Control Board, Sikkim has warned the government against pollution and hazard to aquatic life in the Tsomgo Lake (Internet photograph) because of certain ongoing construction works in areas adjacent to the lake considered holy in the mountain state.
The SPCB conducted a survey of the lake on 23 July following reports of fish deaths. The SPCB, in its report to the state government mentioned that pollution was observed in the lake along with degradation of water quality. “There is an urgent need for corrective measures to check siltation in the lake caused by road excavation. Silt traps and check dams must be set up immediately,” the report states.
The JN Marg, which runs close to the lake and leads to Nathu La, is being widened. The SPCB has suggested plantation of suitable plants in the area and installation of silt monitoring stations to monitor extent of silt load periodically. The body also suggested study of water on a regular interval and monitoring of air quality and testing of vehicular emission at random during peak tourist season at the Tsogmo Lake. Besides being a major tourist attraction, Tsomgo is also a stopover for migratory birds.
The State PHE and Water Security department is considering the Tsomgo Lake as an alternative water supply source for Gangtok and adjoining areas

A PHOTO FEATURE ON LAKES OF SIKKIM

All Photographs courtsey:

Information &Public Relation deptt.

Govt.of Sikkim

Khecheopalri Lake of Sikkim

Khecheopalri Lake


Enveloped by green forest-laden hills, west Sikkim's small Khecheopalri Lake is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. Many prayer flags surround the water. Local legend says that holy birds scoop away any leaves that may drift onto this revered lake.

How to Get There
Infrequent buses travel to Khecheopalri Lake from several nearby towns such as Pelling. A more convenient way to get here is via share-jeep.

How to Get Around
You walk around the lake. Share-jeeps are also available.AttractionsThe waterfall-fed Khecheopalri Lake is the area's star attraction and is a delightfully calm place to visit.

Every March/April (the dates vary from year to year), the "Butter Lamp Festival" takes place at this lake, which, as the name suggests, involves the floating of butter lamps.If you've got a couple of hours to spare, walk up to the little Khecheopalri Gompa, picturesquely situated above the lake.
Places to Stay and Eat
You can do both at the Khecheopalri Trekkers Hut, which has cheap dorm beds and private rooms (with communal bathrooms) that are clean and comfortable. The owners are helpful, and meals are available. Located 656 feet (200 meters) from Khecheopalri Lake.Also, a few simple snack stalls line the lake itself.For More InformationPelling Tourist Office Middle Pelling, Pelling; no phone.
Pelling, Sikkim, Information