lachung la

A team from INS Valsura in Jamnagar, successfully completed a 580-km cycling expedition through one of the world's most difficult routes and testing terrain in 10 days

After being closed for over five months, the 428km Manali-Leh highway has reopened for traffic. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completed snow clearance up to Sarchu, marking the reopening with a "golden handshake" ceremony. This year's reopening was delayed due to late snowfall in March and April, which made clearing high mountain passes like Taglang La and Baralacha La challenging

After shining bright in hockey, football, rowing and athletics, now women from the state are making their mark in adventure sports as well.

Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling has requested the Mamata Banerjee government for forest clearance to construct an alternative highway from Siliguri to Gangtok.

At a time when troops are engaged in a confrontation in eastern Ladakh and the government is shoring up border infrastructure, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled a plan to construct half a dozen new tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh that would help in movement of troops and reinforcements. The works of these tunnels and a few highway projects will start in the next two years.

Asked over some media reports regarding transgression of over 100 Chinese troops in Indian territory in August end, ITBP DG Sanjay Arora said: "ITBP is a border guarding force. Our mandate is to maintain the integrity of the border.At the border, incidents of small transgression happen periodically and we keep giving them appropriate responses."

From construction of roads, tunnels and bridges to early opening of mountain passes despite formidable terrain and weather challenges, India has worked on a war-footing over the last year to ensure swifter mobility of its troops and weapon systems in forward areas amidst the continuing military confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh.

The tourism sector in Sikkim is facing significant losses as tourists from West Bengal cancel or reschedule their bookings due to the recent Teesta flash flood. The Sikkim government has decided to stop permits for visiting popular tourist places, and tourists are being advised to postpone their travel until the situation improves. Tour operators and hoteliers are receiving numerous inquiries from anxious tourists, many of whom are requesting cancellations and refunds. The industry is urging tourists to consider visiting East or West Sikkim if the situation does not improve by the Durga Puja festival.

Experience the ultimate adventure on the 427 km Manali to Leh highway, a journey of endurance and breathtaking scenery. From the snowy Rohtang Pass to the dizzying Gata Loops and high passes, you’ll face extreme altitudes before reaching the serene town of Leh. Pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable thrill.

The Army on Wednesday carried out an operation to rescue nearly 150 stranded tourists from north Sikkim after unprecedented snowfall for two hours blocked the routes of all destinations in the popular Lachung Valley. The rescued tourists are being provided food, shelter and medical care at the Army camps.

Several strategically important roads in North and East Sikkim are currently blocked due to heavy snowfall. The roads along Lachung and Lachen axis, as well as the national highway to Nathu La and Tamze, have been severely affected. Flash floods have also caused extensive damage to communication lines in North Sikkim. However, the Border Road Organisation (BRO) has restored connectivity for the armed forces in Lachen Valley. The BRO has mobilized resources to ensure the strategic roads leading to border areas remain open.

Winter's heavy snowfall and extreme conditions render several popular Indian mountain destinations inaccessible. Places like Spiti Valley, Zanskar Valley, Rohtang Pass, Khardung La, and Yumthang Valley close to tourists annually due to blocked roads, avalanches, and dangerous sub-zero temperatures, making travel impossible and risky.

And in the long run, rebuilding infrastructure like damaged road bridges would be a challenge.

Tunnels unlike roads will ensure that the distance to the LAC is drastically reduced and there is all-weather connectivity - even during heavy snowfall.

Officials have initiated a two-week study to evaluate six high-risk glacial lakes in Sikkim at the behest of NDMA. This includes assessing lake physical dimensions and moraine dam stability through advanced surveys. The effort aims to mitigate glacial lake outburst floods and enhance the understanding of lake hydrology, critical for disaster prevention.