Sikkim Samay

PRESS RELEASE

DR Thapa Inspects Long-Pending Bhusuk Khola Bridge Project, Urges Timely Completion with Quality Standards

Shyari | 05 June 2026

Responding to repeated requests and concerns raised by local residents, BJP Sikkim State President Shri DR Thapa accompanied by party executives visited the site of the long-pending Roray Chu Steel Bridge at Bhusuk Khola to assess the progress of the project and understand the reasons behind the prolonged delay.

The bridge project, which was tendered in 2017, remains incomplete despite the passage of several years, causing inconvenience to the people of the area and affecting local connectivity. During his visit, Shri Thapa held detailed discussions with the site supervisor and staff regarding the status of the construction work and the challenges faced during implementation.

Shri Thapa was informed that the remaining works would be completed within the next month. While welcoming the commitment, Shri Thapa emphasized that timely completion is necessary alongside ensuring the quality, safety, and durability must remain the highest priorities.

The local residents expressed appreciation for the inspection and expressed hope that the bridge would finally be completed and opened for public use at the earliest.

Publicity Wing
BJP Sikkim

Message on World Environment Day

On the occasion of World Environment Day, I extend my warm greetings to the people of Sikkim.

This year’s theme, centred on climate action and environmental responsibility, could not be more timely and significant. The warning signs of climate change are no longer distant concerns; they are visible in changing weather patterns, increasing natural disasters, shrinking water sources, and growing pressure on fragile ecosystems across the world. Sikkim is particularly vulnerable as we are part of the ecologically fragile Himalayan region. The impacts of climate change are all around us and we can no longer afford complacency.

Sikkim has long demonstrated that economic progress and environmental conservation can go hand in hand. During the tenure of the Sikkim Democratic Front government, environmental protection was not treated as a separate agenda but as the very foundation of our development vision. We firmly believed that safeguarding nature was essential to securing the future of our people.

Guided by this vision, we launched a series of pioneering environmental initiatives. We banned plastic bags and non-biodegradable materials, prohibited the bursting of firecrackers, implemented large-scale afforestation programmes such as the Green Mission, Smriti Van, and Ten Minutes to Earth, and strengthened forest conservation through restrictions on green felling and grazing in reserved forests. We also undertook community-based programmes to protect water sources and introduced environmental awareness into the education system.

As one of the wonderful results of these sustained efforts, Sikkim’s forest cover increased from 43.95 percent in 1993 to 47.34 percent in 2013. Most importantly, we embarked upon the historic Organic Mission, transforming Sikkim into the world’s first fully organic state. We created a global example of how agriculture, sustainable development and political will together can create a success story of environment stewardship. These were only some of the many initiatives undertaken to place environmental sustainability at the heart of governance. They were guided by the principle that development must never come at the cost of nature.

Today, as the world faces the growing challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental degradation, the need for both individual and collective action has become more urgent than ever. Governments, institutions, communities, and citizens must work together to protect our natural heritage. The choices we make today will determine the future we leave behind for our future generations.

On this World Environment Day, let us renew our commitment to safeguarding nature and building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future. Let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit a Sikkim that remains a model of ecological balance, sustainable development and innovative environmental policies that are an example to the world.

Wishing the people of Sikkim a very happy World Environment Day!

प्रेस विज्ञप्ति

गत 4 जून 2026को दिन एसडीएफ पार्टी अध्यक्ष श्री पवन चामलिङले एउटा सामाजिक भ्रमण गर्नुहुँदै पूर्व सिक्किमअन्तर्गत पाक्योङ जिल्लाका विभिन्न गाउँहरूमा जानुभयो। सो भ्रमणका क्रममा रोडाथाङ निवासी स्वर्गीय महेन्द्र बागदासका शोककार्यमा सामेल हुनुभयो। शोकाकुल परिवारमा आफ्नो शोक समवेदना प्रकट गर्नुहुँदै उहाँले मृतकका आत्माले चिर शान्ति प्राप्त गरून् भनी ईश्वरलाई प्रार्थना गर्नुभयो। उहाँले शोक सन्तप्त परिवारलाई यस कठिन घडीको सामना गर्ने क्षमता प्राप्त होस् भनी प्रार्थना गर्नुभयो। शोकाकुल परिवारका छोरा अशोक बागदाससित समवेदना प्रकट गर्नुहुँदै उहाँले स्वर्गीय महेन्द्र बागदास एक प्रजातन्त्रवादी नेता थिए जसले राजाकालीन व्यवस्थाविरूद्ध डटेर आन्दोल गरे भनी स्मरण गराउनुभयो। प्रजातान्त्रिक उषाका अग्रजहरूमध्ये स्व. बागदास एक थिए भनी जनाउनुभयो। उहाँले स्वर्गीय बागदास एक मिलनसार र सरल व्यक्ति हुनुहुन्थ्यो भनी आफूले उनीसित बिताएका सुन्दर क्षणहरूको स्मरण गर्नभयो।
भ्रमणकै क्रममा सुदुङलाखा निवासी स्वर्गीय सम्झना राईको शुद्धि कार्यमा सामेल बन्नुभयो। सो कार्यमा शोक सन्तप्त परिवारसित भेट गर्नुभई समवेदना व्यक्त गर्नुभयो। जीवन र जगतका विषयमा चर्चा गर्नुहुँदै उहाँले स्वर्गीय सम्झनाका सम्झनाहरू आलै रहिरहने कुरा पनि बताउनुभयो। सम्झनाले झक्झकाउनु र जीवनमा अघि बढ्नु प्रगतिको मार्ग हो भनी जनाउनुभयो। सोही भ्रमणलाई जारी राख्नुहँदै उहाँले ट्याङकीलाखा निवासी स्वर्गीय लालबहादुर राईका निवास पुग्नु भई शोककार्यमा सामेल बन्नुभयो। उहाँले शोकाकुल परिवारसित भेट गर्नुभयो। शोक सन्तप्त परिवारले यस दुःखद घडीलाई सहन गर्ने शक्ति प्राप्त गरोस् भनी ईश्वरलाई प्रार्थना गर्नुभयो। मृतकका चिर आत्माले आत्माहरूको त्यो देशमा शान्ति प्राप्त गरून् भनी ईश्वरलाई प्रार्थना गर्नुभयो। सो भ्रमणमा एसडीएफ पार्टीका वरीष्ठ उपाध्यक्षगण, जिल्ला समितिका सदस्यहरूलगायत शुभ चिन्तकहरू व्यापक रूपले अध्यक्षसित सामेल थिए।

कृष्ण खरेल
वरीष्ठ उपाध्यक्ष, प्रचार प्रसार मामिला
एसडीएफ

Sikkim Highlights Development Priorities at 73rd NEC Plenary Meeting

Shillong, 4th June 2026: Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang attended the 73rd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC), chaired by Union Home Minister and Chairman of the NEC, Shri Amit Shah, in the presence of Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Governors, Chief Ministers, and senior officials from the North Eastern States.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted Sikkim’s key development priorities aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on organic agriculture, tourism, education, skill development, MSME growth, innovation, and infrastructure development. He emphasized the need to strengthen agricultural value chains and market linkages across the North Eastern Region, sought the continuation of the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme, and requested the extension of benefits under the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) beyond 2027.

As Convenor of the High-Level Task Force on Agriculture and Horticulture for Addressing Gaps in Value Chains and Market Linkages in the North Eastern Region, the Chief Minister also presented the Task Force’s recommendations through a comprehensive presentation. The report outlined strategic interventions aimed at strengthening value chains, improving market access, enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting value addition, and fostering sustainable growth in the agriculture and horticulture sectors across the North Eastern States.

The Chief Minister further highlighted the challenges posed by recurring flash floods and stressed the need for a permanent solution to NH-10 connectivity issues. He also called for the early completion of key road, rail, air, and digital infrastructure projects and urged immediate restoration measures for the Chungthang–Lachen road affected in the Tarum Chu area of North Sikkim.

The deliberations reflected a shared commitment towards unlocking the immense potential of the North Eastern Region and advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development for the benefit of farmers, communities, and future generations.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of the North East. He also thanked Union Minister for DoNER Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Ministry of DoNER, the NEC Secretariat, the Government of Meghalaya led by Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, and the Governments of Assam and West Bengal for their hospitality and support.

The successful conduct of the meeting was made possible through the dedicated efforts of officers, protocol teams, security personnel, and support staff. The gathering concluded with a renewed collective resolve to build a stronger, more prosperous, and self-reliant North Eastern Region.

Report from Chief Minister’s Office, CMO

SDM Namchi Leads Inspection of Storm-Affected Areas Under Temi Block

Namchi, 4 June (IPR) : Following the severe windstorm and heavy rainfall that struck the areas of Reshep, Thangsing and Bermiok under Temi Block on the evening of 3 June 2026, extensive damage was reported to both public and private properties. Among the affected public infrastructure were two schools that sustained significant damage.

In response to the incident, the SDM Namchi, accompanied by BDO Temi, officials from the concerned line departments, OSD, Zilla Panchayat members, Gram Panchayat representatives and other political functionaries, visited the affected areas today to assess the extent of the damage.

During the visit, the team carried out a comprehensive inspection of the impacted sites and took stock of the losses incurred. Discussions were also held regarding immediate relief measures, restoration of damaged infrastructure and the provision of necessary assistance to the affected communities.

The SDM directed all concerned departments to undertake the immediate clearance of damaged sites and to expedite restoration works to ensure the safety and convenience of the public.

Report From DIO Namchi

Press Release by SMLGC, Gyalshing

One Day Workshop on ‘Awareness cm Sensitization Program on Intellectual Property Rights for the Faculty Members and Administrative Staff of SMLGC, Gyalshing.

Gyalshing, June 4: The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell of SMLGC, Gyalshing, organized a one-day workshop titled "Awareness cm Sensitization Program on Intellectual Property Rights" for its faculty members and administrative staff at G33, Conference Hall, SMLGC, Gyalshing.

The program aimed to enrich the academic community's understanding of legal frameworks protecting innovations, creative works and institutional research assets.

As part of Inaugural Session, The IPR Cell Member, Mr. Riwaj Rai, AP, Department of Physical Education, welcomed the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Bhakta Kunwar, Special Guest, Mr. Biswas B. Raj Gurung, JD, SMLGC, Gyalshing, Resource Person, Mr. Rajdeep Gurung, A*O, DST, and the participants, highlighting the growing relevance of IPR in higher education.

The technical segment was led by Dr. Mayalmit Lepcha, Nodal Officer, SMLGC, Gyalshing highlighting the importance of Intellectual Property Rights in Academic Institutions. Further, she gave an introductory note on organizing the worshop not only for the faculty members but for the academic staff.

The next Technical Session was taken by the Resource Person, Mr. Rajdeep Gurung (Assistant Scientific Officer, DST, Government of Sikkim). His session were divided into two core areas:
Core Concepts of IPR Patents: Detailed explanation of patentable inventions, filing procedures, and criteria for novelty. Copyrights: Overview of protecting literary, artistic, and academic creations.Trademarks & Geographical Indications (GI): Discussion on brand protection and the importance of GI tags for regional assets in Sikkim.
Academic Integration and Filing Guidelines on avoiding plagiarism while fostering authentic research.Step-by-step guidance on how educators can file for IPR through government portals.Insight into funding and support mechanisms offered by the DST, Government of Sikkim.

The session was followed by a dynamic interactive session followed by Valedictory Session where certificates and mementos were distributed. A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Mayalmit Lepcha, Nodal Officer, IPR Cell, expressing gratitude to the DST, Government of Sikkim, the College Management, and the active participants for making the event a success.

Standing Committee on Railways Reviews Progress of Sevoke–Rangpo Railway Project

Pakyong, June 04 (IPR): A study visit of the Standing Committee on Railways, facilitated by IRCON International Limited, was conducted to review the progress of the ongoing Sevoke–Rangpo Railway Line Project, at Rangpo today.

The delegation was led by Chairman of the Standing Committee on Railways, Dr CM Ramesh, and comprised Members of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Mr Damodar Agarwal, Mr Tariq Anwar, Mr Ummeda Ram Beniwal, Mr Kaushalendra Kumar, Mr Balabhadra Majhi, Mr Khagen Murmu, Mr Adoor Prakash, Mr MK Raghavan, Mr Bharatbhai Manubhai, Dr Bhola Singh; Mr Gopal Jee Thakur and Members of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Mr Subhasish Khuntia, Dr Sumer Singh Solanki, Dr K Laxman, Mr Meda Raghunadha Reddy, Mr Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik, Mr Khiru Mahto, along with officials from various departments.

The visit was undertaken to assess and review the progress of railway infrastructure projects in the North Eastern Region with focus on the Sevoke–Rangpo Railway Line Project.

During the programme, CMD, IRCON, Mr Harimohan Gupta delivered a detailed presentation on the project and highlighted its key features and provided updates on the construction status of tunnels, bridges and railway yards.

In addition, he also covered project cost escalation, safety measures being implemented and the various initiatives undertaken to minimise environmental impact and ensure structural stability in landslide-prone and ecologically sensitive areas.

During the meeting, the committee members sought clarifications on key issues and reviewed measures being undertaken to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Furthermore, the team members conducted an on-site inspection of the project area, including tunnels and railway yard facilities to gain insight into the progress and challenges associated with the project.

Report from DIO Pakyong

MLA (Daramdin) & SLA Speaker Mr MN Sherpa along with DDMA Chairperson Inspect Landslide-Affected Areas in Orange Village

Soreng, June 4 (IPR): MLA of Daramdin Constituency and Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA), Mr MN Sherpa, visited Orange Village and its surrounding areas under Daramdin Constituency to assess the progress of restoration and reconstruction works in locations affected by landslides, flooding, and recurring road subsidence.

The affected areas have faced significant challenges since June 2023, with repeated instances of road sinking disrupting connectivity and daily life. Despite these difficulties, reconstruction efforts have been progressing through the collective support of the local community under Shramdan (voluntary labour contribution). Residents have been actively participating in the restoration work without remuneration, while local contractors have extended support by providing machinery free of cost. Demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of the people and the timely completion of the works, MLA Mr MN Sherpa has been providing fuel for the machinery at no cost.

During the inspection, the MLA reviewed the ongoing NC works sanctioned through SEC on the ground and expressed appreciation for the united efforts of the villagers, and officials involved in the restoration process. Recognising the urgency of securing long-term solutions for the affected areas, he directed DC Soreng & Chairperson (DDMA) Mr Dhiraj Subedi to explore the possibility of mobilising assistance through the NC relief funds available at his disposal.

DC Soreng Mr Dhiraj Subedi also conducted an on-site assessment and interacted extensively with local residents and the beneficiaries engaged in the restoration works. He listened to their concerns, reviewed the challenges being faced in the field, and offered practical suggestions to improve the pace and quality of the work. Emphasising the importance of preparedness ahead of the monsoon season, the DC urged all stakeholders to maintain close coordination and ensure that the remaining works are completed efficiently and within the stipulated timeframe. He reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to extending all possible support for the safety, connectivity, and well-being of the affected communities.

The above work has emerged as a unique convergence model highlighting the collaborative efforts of elected representatives, district administration, local contractors, and the villagers in restoring vital infrastructure and safeguarding the livelihoods of people residing in the landslide-prone areas of Orange Village and its neighbouring localities.

Present during the inspection were DC Soreng-cum- Chairperson (DDMA, Soreng) Mr Dhiraj Subedi, OSD to MLA (Daramdin) Mr MK Rai, SDM (HQ) Mr Prem K S***a, DPO (LRDMD) Ms Rajani Pega, AE(BAC Daramdin) Mr Samir Sharma, and officials from Soreng District Disaster Management Authority,

Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Arrives at Bagdogra Airport on Official Visit to Sikkim

Siliguri, June 4: Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Mr Ajay Tamta, arrived at Bagdogra Airport today on a three-day official visit to Sikkim from June 4 to June 6, 2026.

During his visit, Mr Ajay Tamta will undertake inspections of key National Highway projects, including NH-10, NH-710 and NH-510. He will also chair review meetings on various Central Government programmes, policies and infrastructure development projects being implemented in the State.

The visit aims to assess the progress of ongoing highway development works and review the implementation of important infrastructure initiatives in Sikkim.

Upon his arrival at Bagdogra Airport, Mr Ajay Tamta was warmly received by officials from the Protocol Unit, Camp Bagdogra, and Liaison Officer, Mr Jigme Lachungpa, Superintendent Engineer, Roads and Bridges Department.