Unique Charm of Thumb-shaped State of India

Sikkim spans just 7,000sqkm but if the tour operator insists you visit just two districts in one trip, he isn’t taking you for a ride. The state has four distinct sections — the North, South, East and West districts — and each has its unique charm. One such quaint spot in West Sikkim is the site of the coronation of the first king or Chogyal. Legend has it that Mahaguru Rimpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, had made a prophecy about Sikkim in the 8th century. Nine centuries later, three wise lamas gathered from the north, south and west at Yoksam and launched the search for “a man from the east, bearing the name Phuntsog”, as foretold in the prophecy. The chosen young man was found near Gangtok and crowned the first king of Sikkim in 1642. At that historic spot today stands a stone throne shaded by a 300-year-old fir tree. As a homage to the erstwhile kingdom, a stupa nearby contains soil and water from all over Sikkim and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Sikkim gave up monarchy and became a state in the Union of India in April 1975 after popular sentiments went against the Chogyal. Between 1947 and then, Sikkim was a special protectorate. The Government of India managed its external affairs, defence, diplomacy and communications. The monarch had autonomy in other matters. Sikkim’s accession to India remains a sore point with China, which considered the state a territory occupied by India till 2003. As Buddhism was once the state religion, monasteries and stupas abound in Sikkim. Some of the famous ones are Rumtek Monastery, Peymiangtse Monastery, Sangachoeling Monastery, Dro-dul Chorten stupa (in Gangtok) and a stupa resembling the Swayambhunath temple of Kathmandu in a monastery near the holy Khecheopalri Lake. Speaking of lakes, Sikkim has nearly 180 of them. “Of them, Khecheopalri, Gurudongmar and Chhangu are the most scenic,” said Priya Majumdar, who visited Sikkim a second time a few months back. The state is also famous for its numerous therapeutic hot springs. Sikkim’s lifeline is the Teesta, which originates in Cholamu Lake in North Sikkim and unites with her “lover”, the male river Rangit, near Teesta Bazaar. But the most defining geographical feature of the state is the Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third-highest in the world and the guardian deity to the people of Sikkim. Residents believe that beneath the slopes of this sacred mountain, God created the original man and woman, from whom all Sikkimese have descended. The slightest whims of the deity can unleash floods, avalanches and hailstorms upon the valleys. Earthquakes too. Joe Brown and George Band were the first to summit the Kanchenjunga on May 25, 1955. The British expedition honoured the beliefs of the Sikkimese people by stopping a few feet short of the actual summit. Since then, successful summit missions have followed this tradition. The people of Sikkim can be broadly divided into three ethnic communities — the Bhutias, the Nepalis and the Lepchas, who are the oldest inhabitants of the land. Each community has its own traditional costumes, customs and festivals. “The communities, though distinct and diverse, live in harmony. The Sikkimese, like most hill-dwellers, are simple, hardworking people,” said Pranab Basu, a Calcutta-based photographer who has shot extensively in Sikkim. While keeping their ethnic traditions alive, the Sikkimese have embraced modern living. The government aims to achieve 100 per cent literary by 2015. The present figure stands at 76.6 per cent, a notch above the national average of 74.04 per cent (2011 preliminary census figures). Carpet weaving is a thriving industry, as are handicrafts and watch-making. This, however, is true mostly for people living in and around Gangtok and in towns such as Pelling, Jorethang or Mangan (which is close to the epicentre of Sunday’s quake). “In the remote corners of the state, particularly in North Sikkim or in tribal-protected zones such as Dzongu, the old ways of life hold sway and shifting or jhum cultivation is the norm,” says Surajit Chakraborty, who is involved in tourism promotion in Sikkim. The opening of Nathu-la for cross-border trade with China in 2006 not only provided a fillip to the state’s economy but also helped thaw relations in the region. In recent years, the government of Sikkim has extensively promoted tourism. As a result, the state’s revenue has increased 14 times since the mid-1990s, according to some estimates. The natural beauty of Sikkim, with its mountains, glaciers, valleys, rivers and streams, orchids and butterflies, red pandas and snow leopards, make it a nature lover’s paradise. And an island of tranquil safety. “It’s so ironical that Sikkim, which is blessed with such stunning natural beauty, should suffer nature’s wrath in this way,” said Calcutta resident Shipra De, who has travelled the length and breath of the thumb-shaped state.

Sikkim Resident arrested in Goa for Murder

PANAJI: A resident of Sikkim, Rohan Gurung, 26, was arrested by the Panaji police for the alleged murder of 42-year-old Poornima Pednekar at the KTC bus stand during the wee hours of Monday.

"We have registered the case under Section 302 of IPC (murder) at Panaji police station," said deputy superintendent of police Deu Banaulikar.

According to the police, the KTC bus stand watchman called the police station early Monday morning, informing them that a woman was lying motionless behind the bus stand`s public toilet. "The watchman also told us that earlier, he had seen Pednekar with a man and the couple was kissing each other," Banulikar said.

Later, the man in question was apprehended by the watchman and handed over to the patrolling police.

"The suspect involved in Pednekar`s death, who introduced himself as Rohan Gurung, a native of east Sikkim, Gangtok, said he has been working as a waiter at Foodicted bar and restaurant, Baga, since February 2011," Banaulikar added.

The police later sent the body to the Goa Medical College and hospital (GMC), Bambolim, for a postmortem. According to the report submitted by Dr Silvano Dias Sapeco and Dr Pannag Kumar of the GMC`s forensic department, the reason for death is: "Asphyxia as a result of smothering in soft soil, which was fatal in the ordinary course of nature in the person with injuries over the body which were ante-mortem and fresh at the time of death."

Banaulikar said that the accused has been placed under arrest and has been referred for a medical examination to ascertain if he sexually assaulted the deceased.

SIKKIM OF MY DREAM

DR.PAWAN KR.CHAMLING, SIKKIM CM

First Survey Reports On Red Panda in Sikkim Confirms 300 Red Pandas

Gangtok, June 9: A recent survey conducted by the Sikkim forest department and the World Wildlife Fund has revealed that there are around 300 red pandas in the state.

The project, that started in 2008, was conducted in Pangolakha wildlife sanctuary in East Sikkim and Barsey rhododendron sanctuary in the West district and is the first census on the animals.

Red panda, the state animal of Sikkim and one of the endangered species categorised in the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is found in six protected areas of the state.

The first phase of the project — Long Term Survival of Red Pandas in Sikkim — that began in Pangolakha was completed recently.

A preliminary survey has started at the Barsey sanctuary this year to find out the number of pandas in the forest.

“By combining our findings at Pangolakha and Barsey we have estimated the population of red pandas in Sikkim to be around 300. This is just a rough and conservative estimate and more surveys are needed to come up with the correct number,” said WWF-India’s senior project officer Parthasarathi Ghosh.

He added that around 20-25 red pandas had been spotted at Pangolakha during the survey and two animals were seen at Barsey.

“We will also start our survey along with the forest department in the Kanchenjungha Biosphere Reserve and Kanchenjungha National Park, which covers West and North districts of Sikkim, from next year. The population estimation exercise will help us map out the habitat areas of the red panda in Sikkim and go a long way in conservation and forest management policies,” said forest secretary and principle chief conservator S.T. Lachungpa. He said the census reports would be published after 5-10 years.

“When the new figures come up we will be able to understand whether this is the result growth or a decrease in the population of red pandas in Sikkim. We will also understand the factors responsible for the growth or decline. It will help us in the scientific management of red panda habitats,” said Lachungpa.

The official said the findings would also help foresters take measures to protect the animals.

“Once we get proper findings we can regulate human activities in the red panda habitats and give proper training to our field staff. We can also plant bamboo and wild fruit trees which are food for the red pandas in these areas,” said Lachungpa.

He added that during the survey the foresters have also collected important data on other animals like the Himalayan pheasants, musk deer and ghoral that are found in the two areas.

"SIKKIM Today & Yesterday" Photo Exhibition @ Gangtok

MGMARG today

MGMARG yesterday

GANGTOK: The Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Sikkim is organizing Photo Exhibition at Star Hall, Gangtok with the theme “Sikkim Then and Now” from 30th of May to 14th of June 2011.

The exhibition will exhibit photographs from the period of late Chogyal’s rule synchronizing various activities of the government to this date with the help of available photographs in the department. The exhibition will be open throughout the day and the entry for the exhibition is free for the locals as well as for the tourists

SIKKIM SNAPSHOTS

Sikkim, Traveller’s Companion

Gangtok, May 25: Finding updated travel books on Sikkim has always been a difficult proposition for prospective visitors to the mystic hilly state. But, a reading of Sikkim, Traveller’s Companion should dissipate one’s ambivalence while charting out the family summer trip to the premier tourist destination.

Released last week, the travelogue covers established and emerging tourist spots in Sikkim. The book has been authored by local journalist Yishey Doma and Gurgaon-based photo journalist Parvin Singh.

“The 264-page travel book, which has tried to touch upon almost all tourist hotspots in Sikkim, has a cutting-edge design, crisp text and some brilliant photographs of the scenic beauty of Sikkim,” says writer Yishey Doma.

Easy-to-read maps are the unique-selling-points (USP) of the book, which was the result of two years’ intense research and survey by the authors.

“We surveyed the market and realised that the travel books on Sikkim were of poor standard and contained outdated figures and contact numbers and addresses. If a comparison is needed, our travel guide has more visuals and proper maps and trekking routes. The maps of entire Sikkim, each of four districts and Gangtok are the heart of the book,” said Singh, who is also the publisher of the travelogue.

The foldable map of Sikkim with every tourist point marked out is 22 inches long and 18 inches wide.

The book, after an overview, is divided into three sections — Destinations, Experience Sikkim and Tourist Information.

The first section narrates tourist spots in all the four districts, each opening with a map, while Experience Sikkim features pilgrimage sites, adventure tours with detailed trek maps, information on cuisine and the cultural heritage of the state.

Tourist Information contains addresses of tourist offices, important numbers and train and flight schedules, besides offering a glimpse of travel agencies and accommodation options.

“Like the state has much to offer to the world, we have tried to assemble varied aspects of Sikkim in a nutshell, from wildlife to food and from treks to skiing. That is why it took us two years to complete the book. We had travelled to all parts of Sikkim to make sure that nothing is missed out. It is a complete capsule,” said Singh.

He said the main target of the book was foreign tourists. “Monasteries dotting Sikkim attract a large number of foreigners. They have been prominently highlighted in the book. We have also included detailed trek maps and mentioned the best season to do trekking in Sikkim,” said Singh.

The book has also boxes providing anecdotes about traditions and events in Sikkim like the popular Governor’s Gold Cup football tournament and mystic mantras inscribed on stone walls near monasteries.

Priced at Rs 499, the travelogue is available in Sikkim and in all leading bookshops around the country, airports and even online. A total of 20,000 copies have been printed in the first impression.

“We have received orders from premier hotels in Sikkim and eateries frequented by tourists here have promised to promote the book,” said Singh.

Although Singh has travelled widely, he has a special fondness for the north eastern states, including Sikkim. His major works include two coffee-table books — Sikkim, the Hidden Fruitful Valley (co-authored with Yishey Doma in 2008) and Golfing Destination.

Doma is a poet and a journalist based in Gangtok. She has also written another book, Legends of the Lepchas.

AMAZING SIKKIM - experience of a lifetime

Kewzing in Sikkim might not be on most tourists’ itinerary but that’s what adds to its charm.
Gracious people, untouched scenery and an experience of a lifetime.
We bring you nine things to do in Kewzing that live long in your mind after you leave.
1. Trekking

Kewzing seems to have jumped out of an artist’s canvas, such is its picturesque, placid beauty. The best way to experience this bounty of nature is by trekking it. Armed with a good pair of shoes and with a friendly local guide you can trek to the local monastery, through the cardamom fields and along the village, as he enlightens you about the village’s history and culture.


2. Festivals

Festivals are an integral part of the Sikkimese culture. Celebrations are ongoing, almost all year round, throughout the state, and Kewzing is no exception. Festivals are celebrated here with great vigor and joy. Guests are encouraged to join in the festivities. Special cultural programs, which include music and dancing, are enthusiastically organised for those guests who have the misfortune of missing the festival season.


3. Organic Food

Most homes in Kewzing grow organic vegetables in their fields, which are unbelievably fresh and juicy. They redefine what organic food is supposed to be like and almost ruin the food experienced in big cities. With a little help and guidance from your hosts you can learn how to turn these delicious vegetables into remarkable dishes using a clay stove. A true pleasure for those who appreciate the rare and exotic, because these recipes are rarely found in a cookbook.


4. Local Drinks

Sikkim is known for its unique locally produced wines, beers and spirits. While bars in the city stock beer brands like Hit and Dansberg, in the countryside one can savor brands like Roxy. But in Kewzing, most homes produce their own homemade millet-based drinks that have a distinct and rich flavor. They have to be tried.


5. Hot Stone Baths

Imagine being surrounded by mountains and soaking in a traditional hot-stone, open-air herbal bath. This relaxing and curative bath is arranged for guests every winter and allows them to laze in a hot water while cloaked above by the nippy air of Kewzing’s winter.
6. Village Life

A typical day in a local’s life involves getting up at the crack of dawn to the milk the cow, feed the animals, tend to the fields and pick fresh vegetables to prepare for meals. Villagers realise that partaking in these activities is a novelty for most visitors, so if you’re staying in a Homestay your host will be happy to include you in these errands, teaching you their ways.


7. Photography

The idyllic and enigmatic surroundings of Kewzing are almost custom-made for budding as well as professional photographers. The sunsets, sunrises, vibrant hues of green and ever-smiling people are inspiration to start clicking away.


8. Nothing

Do nothing. In today’s world, where it’s hard to know when or how to stop, doing nothing has become a luxury. And a cottage in Kewzing in the company of a hot cup of chai is perhaps the perfect place to do that.

Gangtok's swallows returns again to Summer call

GANGTOK- For bird lovers here one swallow indeed makes a summer! After several years the migratory birds have been seen again in large numbers in Sikkim's capital city, returning to nest and hatch their eggs.

Heralding the arrival of spring-summer season, the swallows distinguished from the martins and other smaller birdlife by their characteristic deeply forked tail appear in the city around the months of March-April when they almost immediately set to nesting.

"This is the third year in continuation that the swallows have raised a family in the ceiling of our shop," says 58-year-old C L Kandoi, who owns a shop on MG Marg here.

In 2009 the shop had four chicks, in 2010 there were another four and this year the shop ceiling is home to the nest of a swallow couple and five recently born chicks wait with their beaks open for their parents to fly in food.

"We have been living here in Sikkim for the past 130 years and our family has been running this shop for the past 50-60 years. Earlier swallows used to come and make their nests here frequently.

"After some time they suddenly stopped and now again over the last 5-6 years they have begun returning and nesting and in the last three years they have been hatching their eggs right here," he says.

He points out that it usually takes the eggs about 15 days to hatch, about another 15 for the chicks to learn how to fly and after a few days of practice, they take off.

Slicing through the air in graceful swoops and darts, snapping up unsuspecting midges and flies along the way, spiritedly pursuing aerial game only they'd know the rules of or simply perched meditatively on wires and edges of rooftops, this twittering avian life was once a familiar sight along the capital's MG Marg stretch.

While the swallows can still be sighted, their presence has dwindled among the bazaar residents. While earlier, they could be seen adding to the exuberance and bustle of the town in the thousands, over the past few seasons even a 100-200 count was hard to come by.

Gregarious by nature, the swallows are known to keep close to human habituations and civilizations and their local name ''gaonthali'' connotes this fact roughly translating as belonging to the vicinity of a village or ''gaon''.

This is most clearly manifested in their choice of location for the nest, which, over time, has travelled from overhanging cliff faces and caves to manmade structures like barns, bridges and dwellings which offer easy accessibility and are yet sheltered from weather and predators.

Also, their insect-feeding habits make them more tolerable to man, insectivores being beneficial to famers especially.

The mating season is usually from May to June-July during which they lay eggs at least twice and fly back to warmer climes towards the end of August

Swiss model for Sikkim villages

GANGTOK, September 16: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today said that the comprehensive and holistic planning and budgeting framework in the form of “Village Development Action Plan” prepared by Professor Bernard Dafflon of Fribourg University, Switzerland would be used as road map for scientific development of villages under the eco-city State concept and will further strengthen the decentralization and empowerment mission of the State Government.
Releasing the “Village Development Action Plan” for Sikkim presented by Prof Dafflon during a function organized by State Rural Development and Management Departmnet today here at Chintan Bhawan, Mr. Chamling said a pilot Village Development Action Plan for Aritar Gram Panchayat Unit in East District has also been prepared following the Action Plan.
“The State Government specifically chose Switzerland to frame the Model considering the striking similarity between the two countries particularly in their geographical terrain, very strong belief in decentralization and peaceful and hospitable nature of the people,” he said adding “it is the declared policy of the State Government to develop the villages of Sikkim on the lines of the rural areas of Switzerland and make Sikkim, “the Switzerland of the East”.
Mr. Pawan Chamling led government has earmarked 70 percent plan allocation for village development and the government firmly believes that without the development of the rural areas and the people of grass root level, total and overall development is not possible.

Mr. Chamling in his address categorically stated that a comprehensive and holistic planning and budgeting framework in the form of Village Development Action Plan prepared by the Professor would be used as road map for scientific development of villages under the eco-city state concept and will further strengthen the decentralization and empowerment mission of the government.
The Chief Minister further said that he was confident that this Action Plan would completely transform Sikkim into eco-city state and emerge as a model state for the entire generation and would also serve as the guide book for scientific village planning for the present and will also remain relevant for future development and progress.
“We’ve realized that the best way to achieve comprehensive development in the state is to increasingly decentralize and devolve the functioning of the government to the people of grassroot level.
Mr. Chamling also thanked Prof Dafflon for his guidance and principles for Rural Renaissance based on long term goal of sustainable and scientific development of rural Sikkim and also termed the professor as the catalyst and the harbinger to herald a new beginning into rural life and the grass root experience.
He also congratulated the Panchayats and the people for their cooperation and team work provided to prepare this Action Plan and urged all the Panchayats to implement the Village Action Development Plan in their respective Gram Panchayats Units in a time bound manner.
Earlier, Prof Bernard Dafflon gave a comprehensive Power Point presentation on Village Development Action Plan. The blue print of Village Development Action Plan of Aritar GPU was also presented by the Panchayat President Dhiren Gurung.
During this presentation Chief Secretary TT Dorji also gave an overview on the plan.
Professor Dafflon was also presented with a miniature statue of Guru Padamsambhava as a gesture of goodwill by the Chief Minister during the function.
The programme which began with the welcome note and introduction of Village Development Action Plan by Special Secretary RMDD Sandeep Tambe was attended by Council of Ministers, MLAs, Chairpersons, Mayor, Addl Chief Secretary, DGP, HODs of various government departments and Panchayats from all four Districts.

Rs.1175 crores for 2010-11 Annual Plan of Sikkim

Gangtok,May06: The Annual Plan for Sikkim for the year 2010-11 was finalized here today at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling. The Plan outlay was agreed at Rs.1175 crores. This includes special Plan assistance of Rs. 225 crores for projects of special importance to the State.
In his comments on the plan performance of the State, Mr Ahluwalia said the plan realization of the State is good. He said the human development indicators indicate balanced growth. He said the State has immense tourism potential but care should be taken to ensure that the growth is more in quality tourism. He said the State must give priority to improving connectivity.
He said that focus on self employment and capacity building initiatives are steps in the right direction. He also appreciated the efforts of the Government to ensure that growth is inclusive and in this regard specially lauded the efforts in empowering women and Panchayati raj institutions. Efforts to improve forest cover were appreciated but the State Government was advised to intensify efforts.
The State Minister Mr R.B. Subba drew attention of the Commission to efforts being made by the State Government to improve infrastructure and improve pace of growth with no compromise on inclusiveness of the development strategy. He said the green field airport at Pakyong will be operational by January 2012. He thanked the Union Government for agreeing to give rail-link to the State. He said in the first phase Rangpo will be linked to Sevok station.
He said the Government has taken up the programme to provide comprehensive annual/periodical check up for all citizens for appropriate intervention individually and collectively. He said out of 450 village blocks, so far 425 have been electrified under ongoing RGGVY scheme and 100 per cent electrification would be reached by the end of this year.

DESME reveals 214 child labourers in Sikkim

GANGTOK, August 21: The Directorate of Evaluation, Statistics, Monitoring and Enumeration (DESME) has in a recent survey revealed 214 child labourers in the State.

DESME Director SD Tshering said the survey was conducted on being asked by the Labour Department. “Following the order form the Labour Department, we conducted the survey thrice with the coordination of 400 educated youths who were imparted formal training by the department itself,” the director said.

Reacting over the report of DESME, the additional secretary of Labour Department, SW Rinzing said the collected data is yet to reach the department. “Once we receive the data, we will submit proposal to the Government to rehabilitate these children,” he said.

SIKKIM: Cabinet sanctions funds, series of development schemes

Rs 100 lakhs for poultry development; Rs 98.00 lakhs to prepare 3,15,693 Pink Identity Card
GANGTOK, August 13: The Cabinet yesterday approved Rs 100 lakhs as Grants-in-aid to Sikkim Poultry Development Corporation (SPDC) for implementation of the Poultry Mission.
Chaired by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in the Cabinet Hall of Tashiling Secretariat here, the Cabinet also approved Rs.1026. 66 1akhs as NABARD loan and Rs.89.44 lakhs as State share for development of Infrastructures at Bazaars and Rural Marketing Centres in the State under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF-XIV).
Under the same department of Urban Development and Housing Department, the Cabinet accorded the approval of the ‘Integrated Housing and Slum Development at Old Slaughter House Area, Gangtok Phase II’ and ‘Integrated Housing and Slum Development for notified slum area-Rangpo-Gangtok (I) under Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP)’, a component of Jawaharlal Nehru national Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) as the cost of Rs. 515.90 lakhs consisting of Rs. 448.90 lakhs as Central share and Rs. 67.00 lakh as State share.
Under the State Social Justice Empowerment and Welfare Department, the Cabinet approved an additional financial sanction of Rs. 3.80 as against its earlier sanction of Rs.84, 92, 157 for construction of Tribal Bhawan at Jaunbari, South Sikkim and sanctioned Rs.33,93,409 for construction of Link road between Basnett Gaon-Khongsi (PMGSY) road and Ranipool-Pakyong SPWD road in East District under Tribal Sub¬ Plan by Rural Management and Development Department. The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs. 125.00 lakhs for implantation of Poultry Mission 2009-2012 under TSP & SCSP by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Veterinary Services under the same department.
Similarly, the Cabinet approved additional sanction of Rs. 37.40 lakhs as against its earlier sanction of Rs. 2,00,00,000 for construction of approach road, boundary pillars and boundary walls for Industrial growth centre at Samlick Marchak Namli, East Sikkim under the State Commerce and Industries Department.
A fund of Rs.62.23 lakhs has also been approved by the Cabinet under the State Energy and Power Department for installation of 500 KV A Sub-Station at Tathangchen (near Guards Ground) along with capacity up gradation of L.T distribution line and around upper and lower Tathangchen, 36.23 lakhs for installation of 315 KV A Sub-Station at Dichenling along with capacity up gradation of H.T. and L.T. distribution line in and around Dichenling area, Gangtok and Rs. 25.87 lakhs for conversion of L.T. Distribution Line into Underground Cable System in the vicinity of ole Guards Ground (West Point School), Upper Tathangchen.
The Cabinet has also approved Rs. 98.00 lakhs as the cost to prepare 3,15,693 Pink Identity Card for the Old Sikkim Subject holders and their direct legal descendents. It is informed that the purpose of issue of these cards is primarily to facilitate the Government for reservation of Government of Private undertaking jobs for the local people, to allow educational facilities to the local people which include both facilities at the school level and also for the Higher studies and in order to identify the bonafide Sikkimese for exemption of Central Income Tax.
These cards would also help extend benefits of various Government schemes to the local people on priority and preserve separate and distinct identity as the original inhabitant of State of Sikkim, it is further informed.

Vinayaka Univ Income tax raid continues

Salem,August12: Raids by the Income Tax (IT) Department’s Vigilance wing continued for the second day on Thursday at the Vinayaka Missions Deemed University.

The inquiry, under Section 3 of UGC Act 1956, is based on hints pointing to collection of capitation fee and tuition fee in excess of the government norms at the medical, dental and engineering colleges.
Simultaneous raids have been conducted at the institution’s colleges at Chennai, Puducherry, Karaikkal, Manipur and Sikkim.

According to the sleuths, permission has been sought to investigate the medical college in Malaysia run by Vin­ayaka Missions, while legal impediments did not allow investigations at institutions run in the Middle East and USA.
A 100-member team that conducted the search in the constituent colleges of the university, have found incriminating documents. But the result of their inquiry has not been disclosed.

Vinayaka Missions’ ownership is closely held by the founder Chancellor’s two sons, two daughters and their spouses. IT sleuths said the institution collected up to Rs 40 lakh as fee for MBBS and up to Rs 5 lakh for BE and B Tech without allegedly issuing proper receipts. There were allegations that black money was being diverted into the private kitty of the closely held institution bypassing the IT scanner.

The raids were carried out on the basis of complaints received from various quarters, including one filed after an anti-capitation fee inquiry held by the Directorate Medical Education one-and-a-half months ago at the Vinayaka Missions Medical College in Salem.
In the preliminary rounds, the investigators checked the admission list in various colleges of Vinayaka Missions University, receipts of fees and other charges, accounts ledgers and various other fund flow documents.

On condition of anonymity, a sleuth said that the institution’s accounts in 10 banks have been kept temporarily under freeze.

Climate Warming and Large Cardamom Farming in the Sikkim Himalaya

The average air temperature in the last forty years has risen twice as fast in the Himalayan Region than the average warming in the mid latitudinal northern hemisphere. This means the rate of warming is more pronounced in the high altitude regions than the lower ones. It also means the Himalayas are more sensitive towards climate warming and significantly impacted by climate change.

Besides the first order impacts of climate change like glacial retreat, glacial lake outburst floods, rise in the sea levels, drying up of rivers and streams etc; climate warming has significantly impacted the health of both flora and fauna in recent times. Such impacts have perhaps been more severe and far reaching in and around the hills and mountain areas. Agriculture is believed to be one of the direct targets of climate warming. Various scientific studies indicate both positive and negative impacts on the health and productivity of agricultural crops depending on the type of crops, season, geographical region and climatic conditions therein.

Sikkim Himalaya: Geography and Environment

A small and beautiful mountain region, Sikkim situated in the Eastern Indian Himalayas spreads below the world´s third highest mountain Kangchendzonga (8598m). The region is separated by the Singalila range from Nepal in the west, Chola range from Tibet in the northeast and Bhutan in the southeast. Rangit and Rangpo rivers form the borders with the Darjeeling district of West Bengal in the south. Sikkim Himalaya measures a total geographical area of 7,096 sq km with 349.3 km of international border- China border: 220 km, Bhutan border: 32.8 km, Nepal border: 96.5 km. It has a national border of 30.3 km with West Bengal. This also means 92 percent of Sikkim´s border is with neighbouring countries. About 100 kms from the border town Rangpo in South Sikkim lies the Bangladesh.

The region being a part of inner ranges of the Himalayas has no open valley and plains but varied geographical elevations ranging from 300 to 8598 meter above mean sea level consisting of lower hill, middle and higher hills, alpine zones and snow bound land, the highest elevation 8598 meter being the top of the Mt. Kangchendzonga itself. On the north-western side of the Sikkim Himalaya lies the massive 31 Km long Zemu glacier. Sikkim´s botanical and zoological affluence is truly impressive.

Climate Change in the Sikkim Himalaya

Sikkim Himalaya as an integral part of the Himalayan region has witnessed notable variation in its temperature and rainfall pattern over the years. According to Meteorological sources, maximum temperature in Gangtok has been rising by 0.2o C per decade and minimum temperature has been falling by 0.3o C per decade. The annual rainfall has been increasing by 49.6mm per decade. The physical effects of such meteorological deviations include glacier retreat, GLOFs, record breaking forest fire incidents, failure of agricultural crops and forced changes in the timing of crops etc. Further, animals, birds and insects are changing their habits and habitats while the tree line is gradually shifting upward.

Sikkimese Agriculture

Sikkim is primarily a rural and agricultural economy where over 60 per cent of its population is directly engaged in agriculture. Principal food crops cultured in the region include maize, paddy, barley, millet, wheat, buck wheat, beans etc. Important cash crops are large cardamom, ginger, potato, soybean, fruit crops and vegetables etc. Large cardamom is raised on commercial basis and is exported both within and outside the country. Over 16,949 farmers cultivate large cardamom in the Sikkim Himalaya of which 15,209 are small and marginal farmers, while around 30 percent are totally dependent on this crop for their survival. Large cardamom plantation covers about 26 thousand hectares of land under cultivation. With about 54 percent of the global market for large cardamom, India is the largest producer in the world, followed by Nepal with 33 per cent of the market and Bhutan with 13 per cent. Of the Indian output, almost 88 per cent come from Sikkim. It is, therefore, a foreign exchange earner crop of Sikkim.
Deteriorating Health of Large Cardamom Orchards

Large cardamom farming in Sikkim has,however, been suffering from decline in production and gradual drying and subsequent death of the plant in the last 1 to 1.5 decades. There has been a steady decline in the yield of large cardamom over the years. One of the important factors of declining yield of the crop is ascribed to old age of cardamom bushes. A section of the policy makers and farmers also believe that monoculture of cardamom plants in the same fields for generations, is perhaps, an added cause of declining productivity of the cardamom. However, a further more important and serious factor in this regard has been the destruction of cardamom orchards by viral diseases in recent years. There are increasing warnings from the scientists, policy makers and people on field that change in temperature and rainfall pattern in the region over last many years could be the potential factors of the disease spreading viruses and subsequent destruction and declining productivity of large cardamom plantations across Sikkim.

Measures Taken

Both adaptive and mitigative measures have been undertaken by the farmers to sustain their livelihood. These measures have been taken both at the household/community initiative as well as with the support of the government. In the first case, the farmers are resorting to alternative livelihood opportunities like experimenting other cash crops like ginger, orange, horticulture at commercial level. With regard to the mitigative measures, the farmers are spraying pesticides, cleaning the fields, keeping the land fallow for some years and replanting the fields with fresh cardamom saplings. The government, especially Spices Board of India, has been helping the farmers since last many years to salvage their livelihood. The results of the mitigative measures have not been very fruitful, nonetheless.

Conclusion

A fundamental question to be seriously taken under such a situation is: if Sikkim does away with its large cardamom farming in the near future what would be the fate of a large section of agrarian population dependant on cardamom farming. It would not only affect the state's agricultural economy but also the Indian spice trade in a major way. Since, many people in the rural areas has been dependent on cardamom as the main cash crop providing them with a significant part of their livelihood, the impact of steadily falling health of cardamom orchards and declining yield is likely to be disastrous. Such a scenario calls for a need to work out and evolve a comprehensive strategy to revitalise the health of cardamom plants and sustain the yields. The plants affected by the viral diseases cannot be cured but the losses may be minimised by adopting appropriate management practices.

(Vimal Khawas )

Denzong Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd. (DACS) AGM held

Gangtok: The Seventh Annual General Meeting for the year 2008-2009 of Denzong Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd. (DACS) an apex organization of Growers and Multipurpose Cooperative Societies was held in Janta Bhawan here on 12th August. Mr. Puran Kumar Gurung, MLA and Chairman, DACS chaired the meeting which was attended by Board of Directors, officers from Cooperation Department and DACS as well as representatives from member Societies.
The Annual General Meeting began with welcome address by DACS Managing Director, Mr. M. T. Sherpa. Welcoming all the delegates and shareholders, he highlighted some major achievements of the Society during 2008-2009, namely, registering the highest ever profit for a single year, for the first time distribution of the Business Development Incentive of Rs.5000 to each member and implementation of the Group Gratuity Scheme for all employees.
Mr. Gurung, presented in details the Annual Report, Audited Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Accounts for the year 2008-2009, Business Development Plan and Budget Estimate for 2009-2010. He stated that in 2008-2009, there had been an increase of 31% in business turnover, whereas an increase of 115% profit was registered, thereby drastically bringing down the accumulated loss to the level of 37.05 lakhs from Rs.123 lakhs. He further informed that 8% profit amounting to Rs.85.95 lakhs earned during 2008-09 was highest ever till date. Speaking of various activities initiated by DACS, he highlighted that though the Society in the past several years had incurred huge losses, there has now been a major shift in the trend thereby progressing towards profitability. He also mentioned that the Society has been procuring locally grown surplus items to supplement the total requirements of its supply. Some members also put forth their valuable suggestions in the meeting.
The other major event of the day was handing over of the cheques of Rs.5000 to each member as Business Development Incentive by the Chairman who impressed upon the member societies to involve more in the process of promoting cooperative movement in Sikkim. The Chairman expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for his valuable support and patronage. He also expressed thanks to Minister, Co-operation and the Secretary and other officials for their valuable supports and guidance to the Society. Vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Dawa Tamang, a member of Board of Directors. This is informed in a release by DACS Managing Director, Mr. M. T. Sherpa.

Sikkim ICAR training on scientific cherry pepper cultivation

Gangtok,August12 : A day long hands on training programme on scientific cherry pepper (Dalle Khorsani) cultivation was organized on 10th August, 2009 at ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok where more than fifteen participants of three different villages of South and East district participated.
The programme held under Technology Mission, MM-I Project of ICAR was inaugurated by the institute’s Joint Director, Dr. H. Rahman who highlighted importance of cherry pepper in present day scenario and gave some valuable information. Welcoming the guests and participants Dr. Rahman in his address also informed that ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre is working on various aspects of agricultural, horticultural and animal husbandry.
Regarding spices, he mentioned that India leads in many spices like chilli, ginger, large cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, etc. Chillies are important cash crop and grown for their pungency. It is rich in Vit A & D, minerals and proteins. They have many medicinal values also.
Northeast India has special varieties of chillies like Naga chilli, King chilli, Tezpur chilli, Cherry pepper, etc. Cherry pepper (Dalle Khorsani) is the favourite chilli of Sikkim and Darjeeling hills because of its moderate pungency and good aroma. Because of its higher demand and low availability, the farmers can fetch very good return of about Rs.10 lakhs/ ha by proper management and precautionary measures in cherry pepper cultivation, Dr. Rahman said.Dr R. K. Avasthe, Principal Scientist of ICAR highlighted problems of horticultural crops with reference to dalle cultivation and processing. Dr. (Mrs.) Saroj Toppo, Sr. Scientist and In-charge of Women Empowerment Cell, ICAR, Sikkim Centre, mentioned that the institute has been engaged in imparting trainings in fruit and vegetable processing, mushroom production, backyard poultry production, machine knitting and sewing for women empowerment.
Scientist Dr. Ashok Kumar gave the training on how to cultivate and process cherry pepper avoiding disease and insect pest problems under organic regime

Preparations for Sikkim Pang Lhabsol festival begins

GANGTOK, August 11: Preparations for the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations have begun.
The President of Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee Thukchuk Lachungpa today said that the festival held in honour of Mt Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim would be carried out with usual pomp and gaiety.
Addressing a press conference at his office here today, Mr. Lachungpa said the celebration will begin from September 2 with ritual prayers. “From September 4 onwards, a variety of cultural programmes of different communities will be organised,” he said.
The president of the celebration committee added that Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh will be the chief guest on the final day programme while Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will be attending the programme as the guest of honour.
The celebration to be held at the State Capital will have participation from students from schools in and around Gangtok along with participation from other NGOs, clubs and other associations. “There are separate categories for students as well for the NGOs, clubs and associations with lots of attractive prizes,” Mr Lachungpa said.
This year the Pang Lhabsol falls on September 4, coinciding with the 15th day of the seventh Buddhist month.
He further said that the committee will take up the initiative of sponsoring financially deprived students who secure above 80 percent in their board exams for their degree courses.

Sikkim Nathu-la trade picks up momentum

GANGTOK, August 11: The massive landslides at Mile 17 have undeterred the spirits of the Indian traders as they have been using the old silk route via Rongli, Nathang and Kupup to reach Renquinngang in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
After hitting the lowest point since its start from the month of March this year, the Nathu-la border trade is gaining a gradual momentum with over 20 traders crossing the border from both the sides.
It may be recalled here that a total of seven Sikkimese traders have crossed the Nathu La border trade and reached the Renquinngang trade mart on the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) till June 4 this year.
“We are happy that the trade have now started showing positive signs. We are hopeful it would pick up momentum in the days to come,” said one of the Sikkimese traders .
The State Commerce and Industries Department has already sent a proposed new list of export items to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries last week, said sources in the department.
Sources further said that the recent meeting of the Chief Minister with the Union Commerce Minister in Delhi has turned out to be fruitful as the Ministry had asked the State Government to send a new list of items to be exported

Tempo Bhutia superannuates after 35 years of service to STCS

Sonam Gyamsto Pulger takes charge as new MD of STCS

GANGTOK, August 11: Tempo Bhutia today bowed out of State Trading Corporation of Sikkim (STCS) after giving 35 years of his life to one of the oldest and high profile public sector undertaking in the State.
Out of these 35 years before his superannuation, Mr. Bhutia had served as the Managing Director (MD) of STCS for around 15 years uninterruptedly, a record in itself in corporate annuals of the State.
Mr. Bhutia joined STCS in 1974 on one year’s probation period and was regularized the following year as the assistant commercial manager. He swiftly rose in the ranks of the STCS due to his hard work and commitment and finally took charge of body as its MD before retiring today at an age of 58 years.
Sonam Gyamtso Pulger, the Chief General Manager of the STCS has taken over as the MD of the undertaking. The handing and taking over of the charge was done today.
The STCS is the trading body of the state government and supplies like hardware, LPG and other goods are supplied through STCS. STCS was set up when Sikkim was a kingdom.
Speaking to media today, Mr. Bhutia said that he had given his best to STCS during his long service of 35 years. “I tried my best. But its human nature that you cannot be satisfied and I could have done better”, he said.
Among his achievements, Mr. Bhutia pointed out that STCS used to have annual turnover of Rs. 5-6 crores earlier. Now the annual turnover now is just below Rs. 100 crores, he said.
However, the best satisfaction Mr. Bhutia drew was that STCS still survives despite problems and attacks. “I feel that it is my big achievement that STCS has survived despite attacks”, he said.
Another glorious chapter in his career was that Mr. Bhutia was made Resident Commissioner of Kolkata for 3 times in the year 1984, 1985 and 1994 – the only corporate individual to do so.
“I am also thankful that the new MD is from within STDC”, said Mr. Bhutia.
Mr. Bhutia is also the president of Sikkim Football association (SFA) which is affiliated to the All India Football federation. He is also an executive member of AIFF.
Speaking on his post retirement life, Mr. Bhutia expressed his commitment to give more time to SFA and a host of other social organizations he is associated with. “I will try to activate the Art of Living Foundation,” he said. He is also the patron of Sikkim Viklang Sahatya Samiti and the vice president of Kalyan Ashram.
“I will fully occupy myself social activities”, said Mr. Bhutia on his post-retirement life. He added that he will also try to activate Civil Defence of which he is the warden of Tadong area.