Heavy Snowfall Along Indo-China Border, Red Alert Issued For Sikkim

Heavy Snowfall Along Indo-China Border, Red Alert Issued for Sikkim

Fresh snowfall covered the upper reaches of the Indo-China border on Friday, including the Nathula Pass area, causing a sharp drop in temperatures across Sikkim. Several regions at high altitude experienced sub-zero conditions, disrupting transportation along mountain routes.

Weather Conditions and Alerts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported heavy to very heavy snowfall in and around Nathula, Kupup, and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake since early morning. In response to worsening conditions, a red alert has been issued for Sikkim, forecasting severe weather over the next 24 hours.

Local authorities have advised tourists and transport operators to avoid traveling to higher elevations as roads remain dangerously slippery due to snow accumulation.

Government Measures

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) continues snow-clearing operations to maintain essential connectivity. Disaster response teams have been placed on standby, and residents have been urged to exercise caution while venturing outdoors.

Temperature Outlook

According to officials, temperatures in the Nathula region may fall further overnight, marking one of the earliest and most intense snowfalls of the season.

Additional Developments

The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change announced that the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has granted Rs 8.3 lakh to Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim. This funding is part of the Access and Benefit Sharing framework under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.

Author’s Summary

Heavy snowfall has triggered a red alert in Sikkim, halting travel and prompting emergency responses as the region faces one of its earliest winter storms.

NDTV — 2025-10-31