The Land Revenue Department is primarily concerned with Revenue Administration in the state which encompasses survey and settlement operation, maintenance and up gradation of land records and enforcement of land laws of the state. With New nomenclature of the Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department there has been a paradigm shift in the management of disasters at all levels, from a Relief Centric Response to disaster preparedness, mitigation and prevention. The enactment of Disaster Management Act 2005 provides greater impetus to the institutionalization of disaster management at state and district levels.
Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) is a part of State Government and is a nodal institution for planning, co-ordination and monitoring for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and management. SSDMA lays down policies on disaster management for the state. It approves disaster management plan in accordance to the guidelines laid down by National Authority and co-ordinates its implementation. It provides guidelines and reviews the measures being taken for mitigation, capacity building and preparedness by the Government and issue guidelines as necessary. SSDMA recommends provision of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures.
Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. The state borders Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north and east, and Bhutan to the southeast. The state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south.
With just slightly over 600,000 permanent residents, Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest state after Goa in total area. The entire state is mountainous, with altitudes ranging from 300 to 8,586 metres above sea level. Despite its small area of 7,096 sq km (2,740 sq mi), Sikkim is geographically diverse. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine, supporting rich diversity in flora and fauna.
Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, is located on Sikkim’s border with Nepal. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination owing to its culture, scenic beauty, and biodiversity. The state has three major ethnic groups: the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis.
| Capital | Gangtok |
|---|---|
| Number of Districts | Six |
| District Headquarters |
Gangtok Gyalshing Mangan Namchi Soreng Pakyong |
| Area | 7,096 sq km (2,740 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | 607,688 |
| Population Density | 85.6 persons per sq km |
| Literacy Rate (2011) | 82% |
The thumb-shaped state is characterized by wholly mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with elevations ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) to 8,585 metres (28,000 ft). The summit of Kanchenjunga is the highest point and lies on the border between Sikkim and Nepal.
Due to steep and rocky slopes, much of the land is unsuitable for agriculture. However, terrace farming is practiced in certain areas. Numerous snow-fed streams have carved river valleys, forming the Teesta River and its major tributary, the Rangeet. The Teesta, known as the “lifeline of Sikkim,” flows from north to south through the state. Nearly one-third of Sikkim is under dense forest cover.
Sikkim’s hot springs are renowned for their medicinal and therapeutic properties due to high sulphur content. Major hot springs include Phurchachu (Reshi), Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu, and Yumey Samdong. These springs are generally located near river banks and have an average water temperature of around 50°C (122°F). Some springs also emit hydrogen gas.
The climate of Sikkim ranges from sub-tropical in the southern regions to tundra conditions in the northern high-altitude areas. Northern Sikkim remains snowbound for nearly four months each year, with temperatures frequently dropping below 0°C during winter nights.
Most inhabited regions experience a temperate climate, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 28°C and winter temperatures seldom falling below 0°C. The mean summer temperature is around 15°C. Sikkim experiences five seasons—winter, summer, spring, autumn, and monsoon. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, during which heavy rainfall often triggers landslides and flash floods. The state also receives regular snowfall, and in extreme northern areas, winter temperatures can drop below −40°C. Fog during winter and monsoon seasons often makes transportation challenging.
