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

Heavy Snowfall Along Indo-China Border

Fresh snowfall covered the higher areas of the Indo-China border, including the Nathula Pass, on Friday. Temperatures dropped sharply across Sikkim, reaching sub-zero levels in several high-altitude zones, which disrupted movement on important mountain routes.

Weather Conditions and Alerts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported heavy to very heavy snowfall since early morning near Nathula, Kupup, and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake. Due to this, a red alert was issued for Sikkim, warning of severe weather for the next 24 hours.

Tourists and transport operators were advised to avoid travel to higher elevations.
Roads have become slippery from accumulated snow.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is actively clearing snow to maintain essential connectivity.
Disaster response teams have been placed on standby by the state government.

Temperature and Safety Measures

Officials predict temperatures around Nathula may fall further overnight, marking one of the earliest and heaviest snowfalls this season. Residents have been urged to take necessary precautions during this period.

Environmental Update

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

The Ministry stated, "Funds were released to support biodiversity initiatives in Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim as per the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act."

Author's summary: Heavy snowfall on the Indo-China border has triggered a red alert in Sikkim, disrupting travel and prompting safety measures while biodiversity funds were simultaneously allocated to local committees.

NDTV — 2025-10-31