North Sikkim after earthquake photos

AFTER EARTHQUAKE PHOTOS OF NORTH SIKKIM

Pictures: Sikkim earthquake epicentre, Mangan 54 km from Gangtok

West Bengal Tourists after state elections rush to North Sikkim

MANGAN, 26 May: There has been a considerable increase in the number of tourists arriving in North District now that the election process is over in West Bengal. 90% of the tourists who visit Sikkim come especially for the charms of Yumthang valley and Gurudongmar lake in the North district. As per records at Rang-Rang Check Post, tourist vehicles plying to North Sikkim is usually between 250 to 300 per day. This week saw a record jump to 350 to 400 vehicles per day.
Tourists, usually opt for packages of two nights/three days and one night/two days for North Sikkim. In the two nights/three days package, tourists visit Gurudongmar on the second day spending the night at Lachen and visit Yumthang and Katau on the third day, spending the night at Lachung. Some tourists also halt at Chungthang and Mangan on their way back.
North Sikkim presents the very quintessence of beauty in Sikkim. Northern Sikkim is the area where the mountain tops seem to touch the sky. Many passes, valleys and waterfalls as well as mountain springs add to the beauty of the region. North Sikkim tourism presents the visitors with an experience that is absolutely unique. Largely a restricted area, a special permit is needed to visit most parts of this northernmost district of Sikkim.

North Sikkim Towns

Mangan is the biggest of the North Sikkim cities where the district headquarters of the North Sikkim district are established. Mangan, despite being an administrative city, is noted for its picturesque character. Located about 4000 feet above sea level, this town is at a distance of 65 km uphill from the state capital of Gangtok. The other important town of North Sikkim is Chungthang. It shares the picturesque quality of all North Sikkim areas.

Tourist Spots of North SikkimNorth Sikkim district is noted as a popular tourist destination. A large area of North Sikkim shares its border with China and therefore is a politically sensitive zone. Many places of this region cannot be reached without a special permit from the government of Sikkim. Usually, conducted tours organized by the various tourist agencies with their bases largely in Gangtok, is the best way to travel in North Sikkim. The Thangu, Nathula Pass tour is one of the most famous tourist circuit; as is the Lachung, Yumthung, Yumesamdong circuit. Other significant tourist attractions of North Sikkim are Lachen, Phodong and Singhik.

The tourist season in North District starts from the month of April when the Rhododendron trees at Yumthang are in bloom. They also visit the Shiv Mandir above Yumthang and Katau to enjoy the beauty of snow. Apart from these, tourists also get to enjoy, Seven Sister Falls near Phensong, Mt. Sinolchu View Point from Pakshek Mangan etc., on the way.

(Now Daily)

Lepchas from Dzongu demand diversion of ‘Long March 2’

MANGAN, November, 17: Reacting to the news of ‘Lepchas from Kalimpong and Darjeeling’ planning for the ‘Long March 2’ to their ‘holy land’, Dzongu in North Sikkim, around 135 Lepchas hailing from different areas of Dzongu today met with District Collector (N) TN Kazi and placed a memorandum protesting against the visit.
Led by the Panchayats, the people from Dzongu have condemned the ‘Long March 2’ planned by the ‘Lepchas from Kalimpong’ and at the same time demanded the DC to arrange diversion the long march from Dzongu.
“The people of Dzongu are very much against this ‘Long March 2’ to Dzongu planned by the ‘Lepchas from Kalimpong and Darjeeling’ as it will bring about much sorrow among the people in Dzongu,” demanded the memorandum.
They have also stated that the Lepcha Association of Kalimpong had burnt the effigy of Dzongu MLA in the year 2008 without any reason. “If they respect our place and community, then they should not have insulted our MLA by burning his effigy. The peace and tranquillity of Dzongu is likely to be in danger due to this long march,” the people gathered at the DC office claimed.
Speaking to this correspondent, they said, they have requested the DC to take up necessary steps so that ‘peace and tranquillity would prevail in Dzongu’

Vehicle hit by falling boulders in Namok-Dikchu slide

MANGAN, September 20: A driver of a Mahindra Maxx made a narrow escape yesterday when the vehicle was hit by boulders, which came sliding down along the Mangan-Singtam stretch at Namok Khola near Dikchu Bridge.
Ashok Prasad, the driver of SK: 04/4465, after emptying the passengers from the vehicle, was trying to cross this stretch, which was recently hit by landslides. Even though the vehicle has been totally damaged, the driver made a narrow escape.
However, the passengers managed to reach their destination safely via transhipment.
The owner of the vehicle, Srinath Prasad said he is yet to take out the damaged vehicle from the landslide.
Yesterday, SDM, Mangan, BK Lama and District Project Officer, SW Lepcha also visited the area, met with the GREF officers at the spot and discussed about opening the stretch as soon as possible. While assuring to clear the stretch at the earliest, the GREF officials told the district officials that by looking at the present situation it may take more than one week to clear the stretch at Namok Khola. The stretch blocked near Dikchu Bridge will be opened on September 21, GREF officials said
Although transhipment is possible for the commuters, some of them are facing problem in getting taxi vehicles. The Singtam to Mangan taxi services are taking a detour from Gangtok to reach Mangan.
The stretch from Mangan to Chungthang is also blocked at Theng and the GREF is trying to open the stretch as soon as possible. At present the Army, Project Developers and the local public are facing problems in transportation though people are bringing rations via transhipment.

(SikkimExpress)

Site Salami Rates for Sikkim Bazaar Areas Revised

GANGTOK, September 19: The site salami for the bazaar areas of Sikkim has been revised with the bazaar areas defined as Class I, Class II and Class III as per the Sikkim Allotment of House Sites and Construction of Building (Regulation and Control) Act, 1985.
‘Proper Gangtok Town’ and ‘outside proper Gangtok town’ falls in the Class I Bazaar as per the notification. Development Area ward, DPH ward, Tibet Road ward, Upper MG Marg ward, Lower MG Marg ward, Arithang ward and Deorali ward are included in ‘Proper Gangtok Town’ Class I Bazaar. The salami rates are Rs. 500 per sq feet along the road and Rs. 250 per sq feet at back side in these wards.
All areas falling within the notified Gangtok Municipal Corporation excluding the areas falling in the above mentioned areas have their own salami site rates. The salami rates are Rs. 375 per sq feet along the road and Rs. 200 per sq feet at back side in these areas.
Class II Bazaars are those areas along the national highway, along the road and interiors with salami rates as Rs. 250 per sq feet, Rs. 150 per sq feet and Rs. 50 per sq feet respectively.
Class III Bazaar are those areas along the road and interiors not included in the above categories with salami rates as Rs. 100 per sq feet and Rs. 25 sq per feet respectively

Heliport Tourism in Sikkim

Gangtok,September 09 :With a view to promote tourist destinations in hilly and remote areas of the country, the Ministry of Tourism has also issued guidelines to extend financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for construction of heliports under the Scheme of Product/ Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits.

The projects for construction of heliports will have to conform to the technical requirements prescribed by the Director General of Civil Aviation. Financial assistance will be provided for construction of heliports as a component of destination development projects. The upper limit of financial assistance for heliports has been fixed at Rs. 75 lakhs.

Two projects for construction of heliports at Mangan and Geetang Khola in Sikkim have also been sanctioned under this new initiative of the Ministry of Tourism. Both the projects are likely to be completed within two years.

For the first time any where in the country, the State of Sikkim has been granted Central Financial Assistance for two destination projects that include development of Heliport viz. Destination Development of Mangan Tourist Axis including Heliport in North Sikkim for Rs. 3.29 crore and Destination Development of Geetang Khola waterfall including Heliport in West Sikkim for Rs. 3.25 crore. These would facilitate easy access to the destination mentioned above which are of immense tourism potential, where the tourists are otherwise discouraged due to long and taxing travel through hilly roads.

Ø Mangan Tourist Axis including Heliport in North Sikkim

The Mangan Tourist Axis offers multiple options for the visitors as it envelops many places that attract the interest of tourists, scholars and nature lovers. The lower altitude zone showcase the beautiful green countryside setting with River Teesta meandering between the mountains whereas the higher altitude takes one to the snowy peaks, vast glaciers and rugged hills. There are places still unexplored and amazing splendors outside the scale of human intervention that displays the true color of Mother Nature.

Ø Destination Development of Geetang Khola waterfall including Heliport in West Sikkim

Geetang Khola waterfall is located amidst the very serene environs with awe-inspiring natural beauty and razor-edged cliffs. The existence of a voluminous waterfall cascading down the mountain about 300 feet high makes this place more significant in term of tourist interest. A large numbers of tourists also visit this place to witness the variety of rhododendrons that blossoms during April to May. This is a stopover tourist spot for visitors to onward destinations like Soreng, Daramdin, Hilley and Barsey. The place Hilley where the Heliport has been proposed is the Base camp for Barsay Rhododendron Park, which is frequented by trekkers and nature lovers.

BJP recce of North Sikkim

MANGAN, August 8: The State BJP unit has expressed its dissatisfaction with the management and infrastructure of the Mangan District hospital during a visit of the hospital today.
The BJP team was led by their vice president Padam Chettri who inspected the facilities in the hospital and met with the staff and patients.
Speaking to media, the BJP team expressed their unhappiness with the management of the hospital. The team also said that the sewerage system was not good in the hospital with improper electric lights in the toilets and bathrooms.
After visiting the hospital, the BJP team interacted with the people of Mangan bazaar. The garbage dumping area is not well managed and it is unhygienic to the people and could cause environmental problems in future also, said the BJP leaders. They also claimed that certain portions of the old hospital site which is a government land has been allotted to private holdings.
The BJP team had yesterday visited other areas of North Sikkim like Kabi, Phensong and Ramthang.
The main purpose of the BJP team was to inspect the status of the PMGSY roads which is under construction for the last four years. The works are still incomplete, said BJP team.
The BJP vice president Padam Chettri claimed to media that five kgs of rice out of total 35 kgs for BPL families are being deducted at the time of distribution and only 30 kgs of rice are being provided.

Phumzay Lachungpa Memorial Football Tournament 2009 update

Royal North ousts Pentok Boys
MANGAN, August 8: Royal North, Mangan ousted Pentok Boys 5-2 in the quarter final round of the Phumzay Lachungpa Memorial Football Tornament 2009 played her today.
In the first half of the match, Royal North players Tanko and Jaurus scored one goal each and in second half of the match the Pentok Boys’ Yogesh scored one goal in last 15 minutes of the match. With RK Pradhan’s goal, the royal North players dominated the game.
The match turned out to be entertaining for the 4000 strong audience today.
The Royal North team had Nigerian players from Kolkatta while Pentok Boys team had players from Army (GR).
At the end of the match, Chairperson SCPCR, C. Saring, who was the chief guest for the day presented the man of the match token sponsored by Tata Sky to Jaurus of Royal Brothers. It was also announced that the Bhaichung Tamang Memorial Women’s Football Tournament 2009 will be organised from August 10 in which the first match will be held between NYK Soling vs NSA (Red).

ONE BOOKED FOR VANDALISM IN NORTH SIKKIM

GANGTOK October 30: A case has been registered against one Lobzang Lepcha at Mangan Police Station yesterday on the complaint from Den Tshering Lepcha of Barfok, Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim.
Reports say that the accused along with few others entered the house of the complainant at about 4:30 pm yesterday and allegedly uprooted a political party flag from Den Tshering’s residence and assaulted him causing minor injuries.
Later, the victim was forwarded to the Mangan Hospital for medical treatment. The accused persons have absconded from the scene after committing the crime, Police say.
The case has been registered under section 448/427/323/34 of the IPC and is under investigation

TWO COMMIT SUICIDE IN NORTH SIKKIM

MANGAN, September 26: Yesterday evening at around 7am, Karma Lepcha (30), allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling beam attached with a Chunni in his house at Manpatam Mangan village in the North district, the police said today. Police said that investigations revealed that Karma had tried to end his life twice. However, the exact cause for the suicide could not be established.
In another case, a 19 year-old boy Tseten Lepcha alias Kemuti Lepcha (19) of Shipgyer Chungthang allegedly committed suicide by hanging below his house when he was alone.
The incident came to light only when his family saw it later in the evening. According to the Chungthang Police, Tseten Lepcha being from a Christian family had gone to Kalimpong in June to learn Guitar. During his stay in Kalimpong, family sources said that he had an affair with a student until he came back to Chungthang on September 1.
Later, both the dead bodies were handed over to the legal parents after autopsy. Both the cases are registered under section 174 CrPc and are under investigation

Section 144 imposed in North Sikkim for grass-root elections

Gangtok, September 27: With the announcement of the Election date by the State Election Commission, the District Magistrate, North District, Shri. T.N. Kazi has issued prohibition order under Sub-Section 3 of Section 144 of the Cr. P.C. of 1973 (2 of 1974) in the North District.The order reads that every member of the general public residing at, frequenting or visiting North District & areas falling within the jurisdiction of all Police Stations in North District are covered. The order further prohibits wide spread political activities in the form of mobilization of party supporters, active canvassing, slogan shouting, political meetings by various political and interested parties throughout the jurisdiction of North District. And that no person shall carry any firearms ,explosives, sharp edged and deadly weapons namely swords ,swords-sticks,daggers,bayonets, spear heads including lances, javelins, battle axes, knives, khukuris, kirpans, patangs and other deadly weapons like iron rod ,missiles, petrol bottle bombs, explosive gadgets, grenades, hand bombs in public places, streets, bazaars, roads and in any form of conveyances within the jurisdiction of North District and areas falling within all the police stations in North Districts. The order will remain in force till the election process is declared over

Zema Chu in North Sikkim gets log bridge

Mangan,Sep 03:Four days of hard toil,grit,and personal contribution from the public and the youth of Lachen and surrounding areas have culminated in a temporary log bridge being constructed over the ZemaChu near Lachen,North Sikkim after the flash flood of 25 august washed away the exiting bailey bridge over the stream.

The initiative was taken up and delivered solely by the public here ,reconnecting the cut off areas beyond like Thangu and Gurudongmar to establish the supply chain of ration and essential items.

The construction of the log bridge began on the 27 August and was successfully completed on 30 th August .On the day it was completed,a team of officials including DC north T.N.Kazi,Senior SP- ST Bhutia,WO -PW Lepcha accompanied by Lachen Pipon- Cho Rabzor and the public members visited the affected site.

Lauding the efforts of the area people,the DC informed that another,more reliable bridge would be constructed over the river soon by the Land Revenue and Disaster Risk Management department of state government.

Meeting was also held at Lachen Dzumsa wherein it was discussed that UN DP Tourism project would be implemented for Lachen.The district administration further directed the Food Supply Inspector PaldenZangpo to ensure that the supply of essentials is adequate in and above Zema.

meanwhile, the Chungthang -Lachen Roadway has been suffering road blocks owing to number of landslides along it, and the meeting resolved to urge immediate attention of the BRO and concerned authorities to restore the affected spots.

North Sikkim Youths Gets Training in Self Employment

Training on dairy, piggery & poultry management

Mangan: A five day long intensive training on dairy, piggery and poultry management and production conducted by department of AH,L.F& VS Government of Sikkim for educated unemployed youth of north district concluded on July 27 at Community Centre Hall, Mangan. The training was held with an aim to motivate the educated unemployed youth of north district to opt for said service sector and make them self employed under skill development programme of Government of Sikkim. Altogether fifty youth from three constituency of north district i.e. Lachen-Mangshila, Dzongu and Kabi-Tingda underwent training. During the training, trainees were given practical field guidelines along with theoretical course viz-a-viz management and production by resource persons.On its valedictory session, Principal Secretary for AH,LF&VS Department, Mr. T. W. Barphungpa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his short speech, Mr. Barphungpa reiterated the basic aims and objectives of the skill development programme and encouraged the trainees to avail of the facility provided by the Government. The Chief Guest also gave away certificates to the trainees on their successful completion of the training.The trainees also expressed that they enormously benefited from the training with concrete knowledge on management and production and extended their gratitude towards the government for conducting such training. On its inaugural session ADC/North, Mr. T. T. Dadul chaired the programme as the Chief Guest.