79-641: The Lhonak River is a tributary of the Teesta River in the Indian state of Sikkim . The Lhonak originates as a small stream from a glacier in the snowy wastes of northern Sikkim. It generally flows south till it joins the Teesta. The main Himalayan wall with its high snow-clad peaks forms the northern boundary of the catchment. Small glaciers or tongues of perpetual ice descend from the depressions between
158-427: A beast of burden. The avifauna of Sikkim include the impeyan pheasant , crimson horned pheasant , snow partridge , Tibetan snowcock , bearded vulture and griffon vulture , as well as golden eagles , quails , plovers , woodcocks , sandpipers , pigeons , Old World flycatchers , babblers and robins. Sikkim has more than 550 species of birds, some of which have been declared endangered . Sikkim also has
237-418: A high sulphur content, are located near river banks; some are known to emit hydrogen . The average temperature of the water in these hot springs is 50 °C (122 °F). The hills of Sikkim mainly consist of gneiss and schist which weather to produce generally poor and shallow brown clay soils. The soil is coarse, with large concentrations of iron oxide ; it ranges from neutral to acidic and
316-452: A high population growth rate, averaging 12.36% per cent between 2001 and 2011. The sex ratio is 889 females per 1,000 males, with a total of 321,661 males and 286,027 females recorded in 2011. With around 98,000 inhabitants as of 2011, the capital Gangtok is the most significant urban area in the mostly rural state; in 2005, the urban population in Sikkim constituted around 11.06 per cent of
395-484: A magnitude 6.9M w earthquake struck Sikkim, killing at least 116 people in the state and in Nepal , Bhutan , Bangladesh and Tibet . More than 60 people died in Sikkim alone, and the city of Gangtok suffered significant damage. Situated in the Himalayan mountains, the state of Sikkim is characterised by mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with an elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) in
474-564: A rich diversity of arthropods , many of which remain unstudied. Some of the most understudied species are Sikkimese arthropods, specifically butterflies . Of the approximately 1,438 butterfly species found in the Indian subcontinent , 695 have been recorded in Sikkim. These include the endangered Kaiser-i-hind , the Yellow Gorgon and the Bhutan Glory . List of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Sikkim: According to
553-646: A special designation not used by any other state. A month later, the 36th Amendment repealed the 35th Amendment, and made Sikkim a full state, adding its name to the First Schedule of the Constitution . In 2000, the seventeenth Karmapa , Urgyen Trinley Dorje , who had been confirmed by the Dalai Lama and accepted as a tulku by the Chinese government, escaped from Tibet , seeking to return to
632-657: A temporary solution had been worked out— Bangladesh would get 36%, India would get 39% while the rest of the water remained unallocated. Both countries signed a water sharing treaty in 1996 which would look into water sharing between the two countries in general following the Ganges water dispute . The water sharing remains a challenge. In recent developments, Bangladesh's interim government water advisor, Syeda Rizwana Hasan , told news agency PTI (Press Trust of India) on September 1, 2024, that both upper and lower riparian countries must follow international water-sharing principles. If
711-475: A treaty remains out of reach, it could mark a significant shift in India-Bangladesh relations if diplomacy fails. Teesta river area is in the seismically active Zone-V and has experienced micro-seismic activity. According to India's Ministry of Environment & Forests, the Teesta river dam projects have been approved with the requirement that they adopt suitable seismic coefficient in the design for
790-474: A treaty was agreed between India and Sikkim which gave Sikkim the status of an Indian protectorate . Sikkim came under the suzerainty of India, which controlled its external affairs, defence, diplomacy and communications. In other respects, Sikkim retained administrative autonomy. A state council was established in 1953 to allow for constitutional government under the Chogyal. Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal
869-529: Is Drenjong (Wylie-transliteration: bras ljongs ), which means "valley of rice ", while the Bhutias call it Beyul Demazong , which means "the hidden valley of rice". According to folklore, after establishing Rabdentse as his new capital, Bhutia king Tensung Namgyal built a palace and asked his Limbu Queen to name it. The Lepcha people , the original inhabitants of Sikkim, called it Nye-mae-el , meaning "paradise". In historical Indian literature , Sikkim
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#1732771754747948-452: Is Hinduism , with a significant Vajrayana Buddhist minority. Sikkim's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism. As of 2019 , the state had the fifth-smallest GDP among Indian states , although it is also among the fastest-growing. The name Sikkim is believed to be a combination of the Limbu words su "new" and khyim "palace" or "house". The Tibetan name for Sikkim
1027-575: Is 2.9%, or about 4.29 GW. The successfully completed major projects and dams of Teesta River System are as follows: The other three completed projects are significantly smaller and minor—Lower Lagyap, Upper Rongni Chhu and Mayang Chhu projects. Disputes over the appropriate allocation and development of the water resources of the river have remained a subject of conflict between India and Bangladesh for almost 35 years, with several bilateral agreements and rounds of talks failing to produce results. Negotiations have been going on since 1983. In 1983,
1106-416: Is a multiethnic and multilingual Indian state. The official languages of the state are English , Nepali , Bhutia , and Lepcha . Additional official languages include Gurung , Limbu , Magar , Mukhia , Newari , Rai , Sherpa and Tamang for the purpose of preservation of culture and tradition in the state. English is taught in schools and used in government documents. The predominant religion
1185-631: Is a 414 km (257 mi) long river that rises in the Pauhunri Mountain of eastern Himalayas , flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal and subsequently enters Bangladesh through Rangpur division. In Bangladesh, it merges with Brahmaputra River which after meeting some other major rivers of the Bengal delta finally falls into the Bay of Bengal . It drains an area of 12,540 km (4,840 sq mi). In India ,
1264-440: Is flanked by white sand which is used by the construction industry in the region. Large boulders in and around the waters make it ideal for rafting . Between Rangpo town and the railway bridge (popularly called Lohapul or iron bridge) on it as it enters the plains at Sevoke , the Teesta flows with a very strong current, ideal for white river rafting. Towns like Teesta Bazaar and Melli have facilities for group rafting. Though
1343-452: Is in charge of the administration of the civilian areas of the district. The Indian Army has control over a large part of the state, as Sikkim forms part of a sensitive border area with China . Many areas are restricted to foreigners, and official permits are needed to visit them. Sikkim's nominal state gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at US$ 4.6 billion in 2019, with GDP per capita being $ 7,530 (₹ 5,50,000) thus constituting
1422-612: Is known as Indrakil , the garden of the war god Indra . The Lepchas are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of Sikkim. However the Limbus and the Magars also lived in the inaccessible parts of West and South districts as early as the Lepchas perhaps lived in the East and North districts. The Buddhist saint Padmasambhava , also known as Guru Rinpoche, passed through the land in
1501-431: Is lacking in organic and mineral nutrients. This type of soil tends to support evergreen and deciduous forests . The rock consists of phyllites and schists, and is highly susceptible to weathering and erosion. This, combined with the state's heavy rainfall, causes extensive soil erosion and the loss of soil nutrients through leaching . As a result, landslides are frequent, often isolating rural towns and villages from
1580-483: Is not properly understood to date. These are being studied. 25°30′50″N 89°39′56″E / 25.51389°N 89.66556°E / 25.51389; 89.66556 Sikkim Sikkim ( / ˈ s ɪ k ɪ m / SIK -im ; Nepali: [ˈsikːim] ) is a state in northeastern India . It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in
1659-469: Is one of the few states in India to receive regular snowfall. The snow line ranges from 6,100 metres (20,000 ft) in the south of the state to 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) in the north. The tundra-type region in the north is snowbound for four months every year, and the temperature drops below 0 °C (32 °F) almost every night. In north-western Sikkim, the peaks are frozen year-round; because of
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#17327717547471738-598: Is said to have stationed 20,000–40,000 troops in a country of only 200,000 during the referendum. On 16 May 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union, and the monarchy was abolished. To enable the incorporation of the new state, the Indian Parliament amended the Indian Constitution . First, the 35th Amendment laid down a set of conditions that made Sikkim an "Associate State",
1817-824: Is spanned by Joyee Setu , the longest roadway bridge of West Bengal with length 3.8 kilometres. Here the Teesta completes its journey in India and enters Bangladesh in Dahagram , Rangpur Division . The river descends towards Barakhata, where there is Teesta Barrage of Bangladesh. Further it reaches Rangpur and Lalmonirhat town in Lalmonirhat District and Nilphamari District . After crossing Tepamadhupur Bazaar, Nagrakura Bazaar, Sundarganj and Bozra Bazaar, river Teesta joins Brahmaputra River at Haripur Port near Gaibandha , Phulchhari Upazila in Kurigram District of Bangladesh. Through its course,
1896-710: Is spanned by Rangpo - Mining Teesta Bridge and reaches the city of Rangpo where Rangpo River , the second largest tributary of the Teesta joins. From here river Teesta forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal up to Teesta Bazaar via Melli . Just before the Teesta Bridge, where the roads from Kalimpong and Darjeeling join, the river is met by its largest tributary , the Rangeet River . After this point, Teesta river changes its course southwards flowing into West Bengal and some more tributaries like Relli River , Riyang river, Geil Khola etc joins. Than
1975-420: Is the only civilian helipad in the state. National Highway 10 (NH 10; formerly NH 31A ) links Siliguri to Gangtok. Sikkim Nationalised Transport runs bus and truck services. Privately run bus, tourist taxi , and jeep services operate throughout Sikkim and also connect it to Siliguri. A branch of the highway from Melli connects western Sikkim. Towns in eastern, southern and western Sikkim are connected to
2054-485: Is typically found between an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 metres (11,500 to 16,400 ft). In lower elevations are found juniper , pine, firs , cypresses and rhododendrons from the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests . Higher up are Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows and high-altitude wetlands, which are home to a wide variety of rhododendrons and wildflowers. The fauna of Sikkim include
2133-530: The Constitution of India , Sikkim has a parliamentary system of representative democracy for its governance; universal suffrage is granted to state residents. The government structure is organised into three branches: In 1975, after the abrogation of Sikkim's monarchy, the Indian National Congress gained a majority in the 1977 elections. In 1979, after a period of instability, a popular ministry headed by Nar Bahadur Bhandari , leader of
2212-560: The Nathu La pass on 6 July 2006, connecting Lhasa , Tibet , to India, was billed as a boon for Sikkim's economy. Trade through the pass remains hampered by Sikkim's limited infrastructure and government restrictions in both India and China, though the volume of traded goods has been steadily increasing. Sikkim did not have any operational airport for a long time because of its rough terrain. However, in October 2018, Pakyong Airport ,
2291-570: The Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. Chinese officials were in a dilemma on this issue, for any protests to India would mean an explicit endorsement of India's governance of Sikkim, which China still recognised as an independent state occupied by India. The Chinese government eventually recognised Sikkim as an Indian state in 2003, in return for India declaring Tibet as a part of the territory of China; New Delhi had accepted Tibet as part of China in 1954, but China appears to have believed that
2370-732: The Sikkim Sangram Parishad Party , was sworn in. Bhandari held on to power in the 1984 and 1989 elections. In the 1994 elections, Pawan Kumar Chamling of the Sikkim Democratic Front became the Chief Minister of the state. Chamling and his party had since held on to power by winning the 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014 elections. However, the 2019 legislative assembly elections were won by the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party and
2449-565: The Thangu Valley , Yumthang Valley of Flowers , Dikchu and Donkha mountain ranges. The river then flows past the towns of Chungthang , Singhik , Mangan , Dikchu and Makha , where some major tributaries like Kanaka river join it, and reaches Singtam , where it is spanned by the scenic Indreni Bridge. Also in Singtam, a large tributary of the Teesta called Ranikhola joins and then descends towards Bardang, Majitar , Mining where it
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2528-474: The Tsongmo , Gurudongmar and Khecheopalri Lakes ), five major hot springs , and more than 100 rivers and streams. Eight mountain passes connect the state to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. Sikkim's hot springs are renowned for their medicinal and therapeutic value . Among the state's most notable hot springs are those at Phurchachu, Yumthang , Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. The springs, which have
2607-589: The Union of India after 1947 and the Republic of India after 1950. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states . In 1973, anti-royalist riots took place in front of the Chogyal's palace. In 1975, after the Indian Army took over the city of Gangtok, a referendum was held that led to the dissolution of the monarchy and Sikkim's joining India as its 22nd state. Modern Sikkim
2686-691: The highest peak in India and third-highest on Earth . Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok . Almost 35% of the state is covered by Khangchendzonga National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century. It was ruled by Buddhist priest-kings known as the Chogyal . It became a princely state of the British Indian Empire in 1890. Following Indian independence, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with
2765-508: The hill stations of Kalimpong and Darjeeling in northern West Bengal. The state is furthermore connected to Tibet by the mountain pass of Nathu La . List of National Highways of Sikkim: Sikkim lacks significant railway infrastructure. The closest major railway stations are Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri in neighbouring West Bengal. However, the New Sikkim Railway Project has been launched to connect
2844-416: The snow leopard , musk deer , Himalayan tahr , red panda , Himalayan marmot , Himalayan serow , Himalayan goral , muntjac , common langur , Asian black bear , clouded leopard , marbled cat , leopard cat , dhole , Tibetan wolf , hog badger , binturong , and Himalayan jungle cat . Among the animals more commonly found in the alpine zone are yaks , mainly reared for their milk , meat, and as
2923-467: The third-smallest GDP among India's 28 states . The state's economy is largely agrarian based on the terraced farming of rice and the cultivation of crops such as maize , millet , wheat , barley , oranges , tea , and cardamom . Sikkim produces more cardamom than any other Indian state and is home to the largest cultivated area of cardamom. Sikkim achieved its ambition to convert its agriculture to fully organic between 2003 and 2016, and became
3002-547: The 8th century. The Guru is reported to have blessed the land, introduced Buddhism , and foretold the era of monarchy that would arrive in Sikkim centuries later. According to legend, Khye Bumsa , a 14th-century prince from the Minyak House in Kham in eastern Tibet , received a divine revelation instructing him to travel south to seek his fortunes. A fifth-generation descendant of Khye Bumsa, Phuntsog Namgyal , became
3081-546: The BRO's jurisdiction. Sikkim receives most of its electricity from 19 hydroelectric power stations . Power is also obtained from the National Thermal Power Corporation and Power Grid Corporation of India . By 2006, the state had achieved 100 per cent rural electrification. However, the voltage remains unstable and voltage stabilisers are needed. Per capita consumption of electricity in Sikkim
3160-705: The Lhomak valley is very sparse. It is visited by graziers . Lake Lhonak was considered a dangerous lake, which may outburst. Central Water Commission carried out the study and the Department of Science and Technology carried out the bathymetric survey to assess its volume and possible danger of outburst. The Lhonak Valley is a grassland in the exposed river valley of Goma Chu in northwest Sikkim, with boggy marshes, glacial lakes, barren scree slopes and glaciers. Goma Chu rises in North and South Lhonak glaciers and runs across
3239-605: The Prime Minister of Sikkim Kazi Lhendup Dorjee , appealed to the Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi for Sikkim to become a state of India. In April of that year, the Indian Army took over the city of Gangtok and disarmed the Chogyal's palace guards. Thereafter, a referendum was held in which 97.5 per cent of voters supported abolishing the monarchy, effectively approving union with India. India
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3318-465: The SSC to the government and sponsoring a counter-movement in the name of Sikkim National Party , which opposed accession to India. The demand for responsible government continued, and the SSC launched a civil disobedience movement. The Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal asked India for help in quelling the movement, which was offered in the form of a small military police force and an Indian Dewan . In 1950,
3397-615: The Sikkimese government, leading to a punitive British expedition against the kingdom, after which the Darjeeling district and Morang were annexed to British India in 1853. The Chogyal of Sikkim became a titular ruler under the directive of the British governor as a result of the invasion. Sikkim became a British protectorate in the later decades of the 19th century, formalised by a convention signed with China in 1890. Sikkim
3476-582: The Teesta flows through Mangan District , Gangtok District , Pakyong District , Kalimpong district , Darjeeling District , Jalpaiguri District , Cooch Behar districts and the cities of Rangpo , Jalpaiguri and Mekhliganj . In Bangladesh, it flows through Lalmonirhat District , Rangpur District , Kurigram District and Gaibandha District . It joins the Brahmaputra River at Phulchhari Upazila in Bangladesh. 305 km (190 mi) of
3555-414: The Teesta river has carved out ravines and gorges in Sikkim meandering through the hills with the hill station of Kalimpong lying just off the river and the city of Siliguri at the foothills of Himalaya. Variegated vegetation can be seen along this route. At lower elevations, tropical deciduous trees and shrubs cover the surrounding hills; alpine vegetation is seen at the upper altitudes. The river
3634-534: The agreement had lapsed. The 2003 agreement led to a thaw in Sino-Indian relations . On 6 July 2006, the Sikkimese Himalayan pass of Nathu La was opened to cross-border trade, becoming the first open border between India and China. The pass, which was first opened during the 1904 Younghusband Expedition to Tibet, had remained closed since the 1962 Sino-Indian War . On 18 September 2011,
3713-516: The area of Sikkim comes under the administration of its forest department. Sikkim is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants, 515 rare orchids , 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns , and over 900 medicinal plants. A relative of the Poinsettia , locally known as "Christmas Flower", can be found in abundance in
3792-670: The chief minister since then is Prem Singh Tamang . The current Governor of Sikkim is Lakshman Acharya . Sikkim is among India's most environmentally conscious states, having banned plastic water bottles "in all government functions and meetings" and polystyrene products (throughout the state). Sikkim has six districts – Gangtok District , Mangan District , Namchi District , Pakyong District , Geyzing District and Soreng District . The district capitals are Gangtok , Mangan , Namchi , Pakyong , Gyalshing and Soreng respectively. These six districts are further divided into 16 subdivisions; Pakyong, Rongli, Rangpo and Gangtok are
3871-499: The closest operational airport to Sikkim was Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri in northern West Bengal . The airport is located about 124 km (77 mi) from Gangtok , and frequent buses connect the two. A daily helicopter service run by the Sikkim Helicopter Service connects Gangtok to Bagdogra; the flight is thirty minutes long, operates only once a day, and can carry four people. The Gangtok helipad
3950-462: The dam, tunnel, surge shaft and power house. The projects are cascaded over the length of the river, do not store large amounts water, have small reservoirs, and therefore the projects are expected to have very low risk from the reservoir induced seismicity in the area. The Teesta river has preserved good imprints of climatic and tectonics along its valleys and catchments. The interrelationship between climate, erosion, deposition and tectonic activities
4029-592: The east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also close to the Siliguri Corridor , which borders Bangladesh . Sikkim is the least populous and second-smallest among the Indian states. Situated in the Eastern Himalaya , Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity , including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga ,
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#17327717547474108-528: The first state in India to achieve this distinction. Because of its hilly terrain and poor transport infrastructure, Sikkim lacks a large-scale industrial base. Brewing , distilling, tanning and watchmaking are the main industries and are mainly located in the southern regions of the state, primarily in the towns of Melli and Jorethang . In addition, a small mining industry exists in Sikkim extracting minerals such as copper , dolomite , talc , graphite , quartzite , coal , zinc , and lead . Despite
4187-476: The founder of Sikkim's monarchy in 1642, when he was consecrated as the first Chogyal , or priest-king, of Sikkim by the three venerated lamas at Yuksom . Phuntsog Namgyal was succeeded in 1670 by his son, Tensung Namgyal , who moved the capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse (near modern Pelling ). In 1700, Sikkim was invaded by the Bhutanese with the help of the half-sister of the Chogyal, who had been denied
4266-410: The high altitude, temperatures in the mountains can drop to as low as −40 °C (−40 °F) in winter. During the monsoon, heavy rains increase the risk of landslides . The record for the longest period of continuous rain in Sikkim is 11 days. Fog affects many parts of the state during winter and the monsoons, making transportation perilous. Sikkim is situated in an ecological hotspot of
4345-405: The lower Himalayas, one of only three among the ecoregions of India . The forested regions of the state exhibit a diverse range of fauna and flora . Owing to its altitudinal gradation, the state has a wide variety of plants, from tropical species to temperate, alpine and tundra ones, and is perhaps one of the few regions to exhibit such a diversity within such a small area. Nearly 81 per cent of
4424-429: The major urban centres. The state has five seasons: winter, summer, spring, autumn, and monsoon season. Sikkim's climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the north. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim experience a temperate climate, with temperatures seldom exceeding 28 °C (82 °F) in summer. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C (64 °F). Sikkim
4503-522: The mid-1990s. Sikkim has furthermore invested in a fledgling gambling industry promoting both casinos and online gambling . The state's first casino, the Casino Sikkim, opened in March 2009. In the year 2010 the government subsequently issued three gambling licences for casinos and online sports betting in general. The Playwin lottery has been a notable success in the state. The opening of
4582-584: The mountainous state. The Noble Dendrobium is the official flower of Sikkim, while the rhododendron is the state tree . Orchids, figs , laurel , bananas , sal trees and bamboo grow in the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests of the lower altitudes of Sikkim. In the temperate elevations above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) there are Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests , where oaks, chestnuts , maples , birches , alders , and magnolias grow in large numbers, as well as Himalayan subtropical pine forests , dominated by Chir pine . Alpine-type vegetation
4661-550: The return of the territory annexed by the Nepalese in 1817. However, ties between Sikkim and the British weakened when the latter began taxation of the Morang region. In 1849, two British physicians , Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker and Archibald Campbell , the latter being in charge of relations between the British and Sikkimese governments, ventured into the mountains of Sikkim unannounced and unauthorised. The doctors were detained by
4740-551: The ridges into the valleys. They give birth to small streams which join the main channel of the Lhonak. The upper course is along an ancient glacial valley. While the middle and lower courses have been carved by both the action of ice and running water, the side valleys are formed by melt-ice and open into the main valley. No vegetation is found in higher reaches. Alpine pastures occur near the snow line . Subalpine and temperate forests are found at lower elevations. Human habitation in
4819-717: The river hits the plains at Sevoke , 22 km (14 mi) northeast of Siliguri , where it is spanned by the Coronation Bridge and Sevoke Railway Bridge linking the northeast states to the rest of India . After crossing Sevoke, the river is fed by some small tributaries like Chel Khola, Neora Khola, Leesh Khola etc, and than reaches Gajoldoba where there is Teesta Barrage. The river then flows through Jalpaiguri , where Jalpaiguri Teesta Bridge links Northeastern States. The river flows further down through Mekhliganj and Haldibari in Cooch Behar district , where it
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#17327717547474898-591: The river in this season. It has also caused severe flooding, multiple times during monsoon in Bangladesh. In the past, the Teesta flowed south from Jalpaiguri in three channels: the Punarbhaba , Atrai and Karatoya Rivers . The Teesta changed course as a result of the flooding of 1787, turning southeast to become part of the Brahmaputra . India has an estimated total hydroelectric power potential of 84 GW at 60% load factor. Of this, Sikkim's potential share
4977-541: The river lies in India and 109 km (68 mi) in Bangladesh. The Teesta is the largest river of Sikkim and second largest river of West Bengal after the Ganges . The Teesta River originates from Teesta Khangtse Glacier , west of Pahunri (or Teesta Kangse) glacier above 5,400 m (17,700 ft), and flows southward through gorges and rapids in the Sikkim Himalaya. It is fed by streams from Tso Lhamo Lake , Gurudongmar Lake and rivulets arising in
5056-467: The river looks innocuous, the underlying current is very strong. In 1915, G.P. Robertson, the then Municipal Engineer of Darjeeling, drowned after losing control of the boat in the turbulence while surveying the river. The boat struck a partially hidden boulder and was sucked in by a whirlpool, leaving no trace of the occupants. During the monsoon , Teesta river distends its banks; both in size and turbulence. Landslides in this region often dam up parts of
5135-487: The south at the border with West Bengal to 8,586 metres (28,169 ft) in the northern peaks near Nepal and Tibet. The summit of Kangchenjunga , the world's third-highest peak, is the state's highest point, situated on the border between Sikkim and Nepal . For the most part, the land is unfit for agriculture because of the rocky, precipitous slopes. However, some hill slopes have been converted into terrace farms . Numerous snow-fed streams have carved out river valleys in
5214-552: The state's first airport, located in Pakyong Town at a distance of 30 km (19 mi) from Gangtok, became operational after a four-year delay. It has been constructed by the Airports Authority of India on 200 acres of land. At an altitude of 4,700 feet (1,400 m) above sea level, it is one of the five highest airports in India. The airport is capable of operating ATR aircraft. Before October 2018,
5293-443: The state's minimal industrial infrastructure, Sikkim's economy has been among the fastest-growing in India since 2000; the state's GDP expanded by 89.93% in 2010 alone. In 2003, Sikkim decided to fully convert to organic farming and achieved this goal in 2015 becoming India's first "organic state". In recent years, the government of Sikkim has extensively promoted tourism . As a result, state revenue has increased 14 times since
5372-636: The subdivisions of the Gangtok and Pakyong Districts. Soreng, Yuksom, Gyalshing and Dentam are the subdivisions of the Geyzing and Soreng district. Chungthang, Dzongu, Kabi and Mangan are the subdivisions of the Mangan district. Ravongla, Jorethang, Namchi and Yangyang are the subdivisions of the Namchi district. Each of Sikkim's districts is overseen by a state government appointee, the district collector , who
5451-718: The subsequent defeat of Gorkha, the Chinese Qing dynasty established control over Sikkim. Following the beginning of British rule in neighbouring India, Sikkim allied with Britain against their common adversary, Nepal . The Nepalese attacked Sikkim, overrunning most of the region including the Terai . This prompted the British East India Company to attack Nepal, resulting in the Gurkha War of 1814. Treaties signed between Sikkim and Nepal resulted in
5530-533: The throne. The Bhutanese were driven away by the Tibetan people , who restored the throne to the Chogyal ten years later. Between 1717 and 1733, the kingdom faced many raids by the Nepalese in the west and Bhutanese in the east, culminating with the destruction of the capital Rabdentse by the Nepalese. In 1791, China sent troops to support Sikkim and defend Tibet against the Gorkha Kingdom . Following
5609-479: The town of Rangpo in Sikkim with Sevoke on the West Bengal border. This line is Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Line from Sivok railway station to Rangpo railway station . The five-station line is intended to support both economic development and Indian Army operations and was initially planned to be completed by 2015, though as of 2023 its construction has met with delays. In 2019, the railway line up to Rangpo
5688-516: The valley to join Zema Chu, a glacier at the southern end of the valley, as is Green Lake. 27°46′N 88°29′E / 27.767°N 88.483°E / 27.767; 88.483 This article related to a location in the Indian state of Sikkim is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article related to a river in India is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Teesta River Teesta River
5767-551: The west and south of the state. These streams combine into the major Teesta River and its tributary, the Rangeet , which flow through the state from north to south. About a third of the state is heavily forested. The Himalayan mountains surround the northern, eastern and western borders of Sikkim. The Lower Himalayas, lying in the southern reaches of the state, are the most densely populated. The state has 28 mountain peaks, more than 80 glaciers , 227 high-altitude lakes (including
5846-538: Was able to preserve autonomy and shape a "model Asian state" where the literacy rate and per capita income were twice as high as neighbouring Nepal , Bhutan and India. Meanwhile, the Sikkim National Congress demanded fresh elections and greater representation for Nepalis in Sikkim. People marched on the palace against the monarchy. In 1973, anti-royalist agitations took place, which needed to be quelled using Indian security forces. In 1975 ,
5925-424: Was announced that Sikkim had become the first state in India to achieve 100 per cent sanitation coverage, becoming completely free of public defecation, thus attaining the status of "Nirmal State". Sikkim is India's least populous state, with 610,577 inhabitants according to the 2011 census . Sikkim is also one of the least densely populated Indian states, with only 86 persons per square kilometre. However, it has
6004-408: Was approximately 182 kWh in 2006. The state government has promoted biogas and solar power for cooking, but these have received a poor response and are used mostly for lighting purposes. In 2005, 73.2 per cent of Sikkim's households were reported to have access to safe drinking water, and the state's large number of mountain streams assures a sufficient water supply. On 8 December 2008, it
6083-715: Was expected to be completed in 2021. In the second phase the line will be extended up to Gangtok . In addition, the Ministry of Railways proposed plans in 2010 for railway lines linking Mirik in West Bengal to Namchi , Daramdin , Ranipool , and Gangtok . Sikkim's roads are maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), an offshoot of the Indian Army. The roads in southern Sikkim are in relatively good condition, landslides being less frequent in this region. The state government maintains 1,857 kilometres (1,154 mi) of roadways that do not fall under
6162-788: Was gradually granted more sovereignty over the next three decades, and became a member of the Chamber of Princes , the assembly representing the rulers of the Indian princely states , in 1922. Prior to Indian independence , Jawaharlal Nehru , as the Vice-President of the Executive Council, pushed through a resolution in the Indian Constituent Assembly to the effect that Sikkim and Bhutan, as Himalayan states, were not 'Indian states' and their future should be negotiated separately. A standstill agreement
6241-463: Was signed in February 1948. Meanwhile, Indian independence and its move to democracy spurred a fledgling political movement in Sikkim, giving rise to the formation of Sikkim State Congress (SSC), a pro-accession political party. The party sent a plate of demands to the palace, including a demand for accession to India. The palace attempted to defuse the movement by appointing three secretaries from
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