Sikkim feels the chill

Statesman News Service

GANGTOK, Jan. 29: Sikkim is in the grip of a bitter winter and to compound the condition, the mountain state is being soaked by a steady drizzle. According to Mr K Sitaram, director of the state metrological department, the temperature in the evening was recorded at a minimum of 3.6 and maximum of 4.8 degree Celsius with 3.5 ml rainfall. The day-long drizzle with intense cold weather kept the people indoors ~ close to their fireplaces. It has also triggered a brisk business in warm garments. 

“I sold 50 sweaters, 100 gloves, 70 warm caps and 20 woollen jackets today,” said Mr S Thakur, a cloth seller in the town. “We grew tired of waiting for the winter customers for the past two months,” he added. Yesterday snowfall was reported from the Tashi View Point about 5 km from the town, Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok, 10 km and 5 km respectively from Gangtok. Snowfall continued till today. Darjeeling experienced snowfall accompanied by a light drizzle today with the mercury dipping to minus 2 degree Celsius. Snowfall lasted for about half an hour from 2.30 to 3 p.m.