Sikkim Earthquake: 2011: The year that shook Sikkim

Gangtok/Sikkim,IE: Sikkim had little to cheer about in 2011 as a devastating earthquake snuffed out lives of over 80 people and caused heavy loss to property and infrastructure even as the state witnessed a dip in tourist arrivals and insignificant border trade.

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake on September 18 caused an estimated loss of Rs 7,000 crore. During his visit, Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh assured the state a Rs 1000 crore rehabilitation package.

Tourism recorded the lowest turnout in the state's history with a drop of 80 per cent in arrivals in October and November.

Just as the year was coming to an end, another mishap took place when five tourists from Kolkata died and four were injured after their taxi plunged into a deep gorge in north Sikkim.

Trade via Nathula was a low key affair because of road network and connectivity problems along the Indian side of the border with China. Indian traders did a business of only Rs 3.8 crore during May-November as against Rs 4.1 crore in 2009-2010.

On the political front, the year saw the introduction of the controversial Sikkim Prevention and Control of Disturbance of Public Order Bill in the Assembly only to be unanimously withdrawn following protests from several quarters.

The bill proposed to provide for a special law to address social vices and offences being committed disturbing public order.

The Gorkhaland stir and bandhs in the Darjeeling Hills cut off Sikkim from the rest of the country for almost a fortnight.