Sikkim Update

Awareness programme on “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” and “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” organised by CBC & PIB Gangtok

Pakyong, May 29 (IPR): The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) and Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, Gangtok, organised a publicity programme at Sumin Lingchey Secondary School in Pakyong district today as part of its initiative to spread awareness on environmental issues, health, and social concerns.

The programme focused on two national campaigns — Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam — to raise awareness among students and the local community.

State Coordinator, Sarathi 1.0, Sikkim, and APS to HCM,Bishal Sharma Pokhrel, attended the programme as the chief guest, while Headmistress of the school, Mrs Woeser Doma Bhutia, attended as the special guest.

Teachers, school staff, officials from PIB Gangtok and Akashvani Gangtok, and students attended the programme.

During the programme, Mr Pokhrel conducted an interaction session with students on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and adolescent-related issues. He used discussions, question-answer sessions, and real-life examples to raise awareness on drug abuse prevention, environmental responsibility through tree plantation, and challenges faced during adolescence, encouraging students to adopt healthy and informed choices.

Mr Pokhrel also addressed concerns related to mobile phone use among adolescents. He discussed how excessive screen time may affect concentration, sleep, mental health, and social interaction. Students were advised to maintain limits on device usage, participate in outdoor activities, and use mobile phones for educational purposes.

He advised girl students to remain cautious while using social media platforms and warned against fake online profiles and AI-generated manipulated images used by anti-social elements. Students were asked to protect personal information, verify online contacts, and inform parents, teachers, or authorities in case of suspicious activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Headmistress Mrs Woeser Doma Bhutia thanked PIB and CBC for organising the awareness programme and stated that similar initiatives on different subjects would benefit students. She also encouraged students to carry the message of the programme to their villages and communities.

Assistant Director, PIB and Akashvani News Gangtok, Mr Manas Pratim Sarma, in his welcome address, thanked the school administration for extending support in organising the programme and acknowledged the participation of the State Coordinator, Sarathi 1.0.

As part of the programme, CBC and PIB Gangtok handed over Swachhta items to the school administration.

A quiz competition was also organised during the programme, where students participated and answered questions related to the themes of the event.

Joint Inspection Conducted to Address Ongoing Issues in Gnathang-Machong Constituency

Pakyong, May 29 (IPR): A joint inspection team led by District Collector, Pakyong, Pari Bishnoi, visited several locations under the Gnathang-Machong constituency today to assess and review a range of ongoing issues concerning infrastructure, land stability, and environmental concerns in the region.

The inspection team included Zilla Panchayat member of Rolep-Barapathing, Gauri Maya Rai; Panchayat Member of Barapathing Ward, Sangita Ruchal; OSD to MLA, Gnathang-Machong, MB Gurung; SDM Pakyong, NK Bhandari; DFO (Territorial),SP Bhutia; DPO Pakyong, Mr TR Chettri; officials from the Forest and Environment Department; and representatives of Nalanda Engicon Pvt Ltd.

The inspection commenced at Teendharey, Linkey, where the team reviewed reports of alleged illegal construction on forest land. The District Collector directed the concerned officials to take appropriate action in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

At 4th Mile, Barapathing, the team inspected areas where road construction works undertaken by Nalanda Engicon Pvt Ltd had reportedly extended beyond the designated alignment and encroached upon adjoining private land. Officials were instructed to verify the extent of land acquisition and examine relevant records for necessary action. Affected residents were assured that appropriate steps would be taken following due verification.

The team further visited the Barapathing-Rolep road stretch, where hill-cutting activities had reportedly caused adjoining private land to slide. At the Chandu bridge area, the inspection revealed vulnerable stretches below the road due to continuous water flow, raising concerns over possible landslides.

Representatives from Nalanda Engicon Pvt Ltd informed the team that water flow in the area had been temporarily diverted and that alternative mitigation measures were under consideration. During the inspection, Ms Bishnoi directed the executing agency to remove loose stones, undertake slope-cutting and stabilisation measures, and install protective mesh in vulnerable locations.

The team also examined areas where hill-cutting activities had reportedly impacted a PMGSY road. Instances of muck dumping along the road were observed, following which the executing agency was directed to take immediate remedial measures.

At the Chandu bridge-Chettri village stretch, another landslide-prone site was inspected. The executing agency was instructed to coordinate with PMGSY authorities for the construction of a protective wall before the onset of the monsoon to ensure uninterrupted movement and prevent inconvenience to students and nearby residents.

Discussions were also held regarding concerns over disturbance to a pond water source reportedly caused by muck dumping activities. District Collector Ms Pari Bishnoi stated that the matter would be taken up for necessary action and directed the executing agency to exercise caution while disposing of muck, conduct regular inspections of dumping sites, and ensure disposal is carried out only at secure locations.

The inspection team later visited Chochen, where discussions focused on land sinking issues at the 7th Mile turning. Officials from Nalanda Engicon Pvt Ltd informed that alternative technical measures were being explored to address the concern and that detailed investigations would be undertaken before finalising a solution.

The installation of rockfall protection barriers at Nevatey, Rongli, was also discussed during the visit.

Subsequently, the team inspected Maltini Khola at Thek Latuk, where a suspension bridge had earlier been washed away in a flash flood. Considering the inconvenience faced by local residents and schoolchildren who had been using the route, the team suggested the construction of a temporary Bailey bridge.

District Collector Ms Bishnoi directed the concerned officials to initiate the necessary process at the earliest. During the inspection, it was also noted that muck dumping activities in the area had been discontinued.