Latest news with #Lepcha
Al Jazeera
21 hours ago
- Climate
- Al Jazeera
‘No land, no home, no future': Himalayan Lepchas fear new dam
Sikkim, India – It was the middle of the night when Tashi Choden Lepcha was jolted awake by the tremors that shook her mountainside home in Naga village. Perched above the Teesta River, which flows through a gorge just below, Naga is a remote village in India's northeastern Himalayan state of Sikkim. For centuries, it has been home to the Indigenous Lepcha people. 'It felt like an earthquake,' the 51-year-old mother of five says of the events of October 4, 2023. 'The whole house was shaking. It was raining heavily, there was no electricity, and we couldn't see anything.' In the pitch dark and amid the heavy downpour that night, Lepcha roused her three children, aged 13, 10 and five, and rushed out of the house with her husband, panicking. Together with a few neighbours, they searched for a safe space on higher ground. That's when they noticed a distinct smell of mud and something like gunpowder. Moments later, an enormous, tsunami-like wave surged down with terrifying force. Lepcha didn't know it at the time, but it was a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), which had been triggered by the sudden avalanche of ice and rock into the South Lhonak Lake – a glacial lake high up in the Teesta basin in North Sikkim. The impact breached the lake's moraine wall, releasing more than 50 million cubic metres of water. The flood destroyed the 1,200-megawatt Teesta III dam – Sikkim's largest hydropower plant, located at Chungthang on the River Teesta, the largest river in Sikkim, which originates in the eastern Himalayas. The dam's collapse released an additional five million cubic metres (equivalent to 2,000 Olympic swimming pools) of reservoir water. The high-velocity flood in the Teesta River valley carried about 270 million cubic metres of sediment and debris along with it, causing widespread devastation across Sikkim, parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh through which the Teesta flows. At least 55 people were killed, 74 went missing, and more than 7,025 were displaced. The flood damaged nearly 26,000 buildings, destroyed 31 bridges and flooded more than 270 square kilometres of farmland. It also triggered 45 landslides, damaged four dams and destroyed long stretches of National Highway 10. Both Teesta III and Teesta V, another hydroelectric dam near Dikchu in Balutar, have remained shut since they were severely damaged during the flood. Repair work is continuing, but neither of the dams has generated electricity for almost two years. Scientists say the scale of the destruction makes it one of the most devastating flooding disasters recorded in the Himalayas in recent decades. Rebuilding amid ruin Today, Naga village, located about 73 kilometres from Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, is deserted due to continuous land subsidence. Houses are cracked, have collapsed or are still standing but leaning towards the river flowing below. The main NH10 road passing through the village has been destroyed with long, deep cracks. In all, about 150 families lost their homes and land in the flood and now face an uncertain future. Lepcha's family lost both their houses, which collapsed in the landslides. They, along with 19 other families, are now living temporarily in a government tourist lodge in Singhik, about 10km from their home. As the region struggles to recover, and communities along the Teesta remain displaced and vulnerable, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has approved plans to rebuild the Teesta III dam without any public consultation, despite concerns about the risk of future glacial lake outburst floods and the fact that the Himalayan range running across Sikkim is seismically sensitive. With the ongoing monsoon season, the Teesta's water levels have risen significantly. This has already caused several landslides in North Sikkim, washing away the under-construction Sankalang bridge and cutting off large parts of the region. Long stretches of roads across North Sikkim are still unpaved, muddy and full of rubble. Several bridges damaged during the 2023 flood and the monsoon next year are yet to be rebuilt. The quality control lab at the Chungthang dam site has also been swept away, halting construction work. 'It looks like a war-torn area. How will they rebuild Teesta III?' asks Gyatso Lepcha, a climate activist with Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), a group of Lepchas campaigning against large hydropower projects and environmental conservation in the region. 'A detailed risk assessment considering future climate scenarios, glacial behaviour, hydrological changes, and sedimentation rates is essential before deciding to rebuild the dam in the same location,' says Farooq Azam, senior cryosphere specialist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). In the absence of such an assessment, the region's Lepcha communities, who fear further disaster, are protesting against the construction. A controversial dam Sikkim is home to 40 of India's 189 potentially dangerous glacial lakes across the Himalayan region, many of which are at risk due to rising temperatures and glacial melt driven by climate change. Built on a river already lined with dams constructed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the Teesta III dam was originally pitched as a renewable energy project. Approved in 2005 with a budget of Rs 5,705 crore (about $667m), the dam actually cost more than Rs 14,000 crore ($1.6bn) to build by the time it became operational in 2017. Delays were caused by the 2011 earthquake, which destroyed major infrastructure, and also repeated flash floods and landslides. The dam faced criticism from environmentalists and the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), which described it as a 'failed example of public-private partnership' for the massive cost overruns, years of delay, ecological damage and disregard for Indigenous rights and livelihoods. The operator, Sikkim Urja Limited (formerly Teesta Urja Ltd or TUL), was forced to sell electricity at half the agreed rate as buyers, including the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, refused to pay higher prices. In 2017, transmission delays caused yet more losses of about Rs 6 crore ($701,000) per day from June to September 2017. Following the devastating flooding of 2023, the estimated reconstruction cost for the dam is now Rs 4,189 crore ($490m), but experts question how such a large-scale reconstruction could be completed at less than a third of its original building cost. An investigation in May this year renewed concerns about the project. The Sikkim Vigilance Police, a special police force, found irregularities in the process used to select the independent power producer, who, according to the findings of the police investigation, lacked the qualifications for a project of this scale. It was alleged that critical dam design parameters had been compromised as a result. Other reports have found that environmental assessments also overlooked key risks. A 2006 biodiversity report [PDF] from Delhi University had identified the Chungthang region as a highly sensitive ecological zone. Yet the project received swift environmental clearance from the environment ministry based on a report which claimed that little to no significant wildlife existed in the area. The clearance procedure also bypassed the ministry's own directive that no dams could be approved in Sikkim until a full 'carrying capacity study' (a study of an area's capacity for supporting human life and industry) of the Teesta basin had been completed. 'What was the hurry to give clearance for rebuilding even before the Central Water Commission and Central Electricity Authority cleared the design?' asks Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), an advocacy group working on the water sector. 'The Environmental Impact Report (EIA) used was done before 2006, which didn't consider the risk of a GLOF. It contributed to the disaster, and now the same flawed EIA is being used again. Even the dam safety report prepared after the collapse hasn't been made public or considered for this decision.' While a 'concrete faced rockfill dam' is planned this time – supposedly more resilient to flooding than the old 'concrete gravity dam' design – experts and local communities still worry this won't be enough because, they say, key impact studies are incomplete. Al Jazeera reached out to MoEF&CC with questions about why the Teesta III reconstruction had been approved without a new EIA, despite concerns over safety and ecological impacts. Questions were also sent to Sikkim Urja Ltd regarding reconstruction plans and structural safety and to NHPC about the cumulative impacts of multiple dams along the Teesta. Emails and calls to all these offices remained unanswered by the time of publication. Tunnelling and blasting during the original construction of Teesta III, before it opened in 2017, led to landslides, erosion and damage to homes. Yet, no comprehensive assessment has been conducted on seismic risks, reduced river flow or long-term ecological impacts. 'Our soil is fragile,' says Sangdup Lepcha, president of ACT. 'We are seeing more landslides every year. During the GLOF, the soil was completely washed away. If tunnels are dug again under our villages, the area could collapse.' Sangdup, who lives in Sanggong village in Lower Dzongu, says the 10km stretch from Namprikdang to Dikchu is the only remaining stretch of the Teesta without any dams. Many worry that if the rebuilding of Teesta III continues without safeguards, it will put villages at risk. 'We have already seen what happened in Naga,' says Sangdup. 'Why is the project getting emergency clearance while affected families are still waiting for rehabilitation?' Sacred land Dzongu, a region bordering the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve in North Sikkim, is a protected reserve for the Indigenous Lepcha community. Known for their spiritual ties to the rivers and mountains, the Lepchas from Dzongu have long resisted large-scale hydropower projects in the region to protect their identity, livelihoods and the biodiversity of the region. When multiple dams were proposed in the early 2000s along the Teesta basin – a river the Lepchas revere as a living deity – ACT spearheaded protests against dam construction. Their hunger strikes and protests led to the cancellation of four major hydropower projects in Dzongu and four outside. 'We are animists,' says Mayalmit Lepcha, ACT's general secretary. 'Our traditions, culture, identity, and everything else are tied to Mount Kanchenjunga, Teesta, Rangeet and Rongyong rivers here.' Despite their long history of activism, the communities say they were ignored during the public consultation process, even though their land and rivers would be used for the proposed 520 MW Teesta IV hydroelectric project. At least 16 villages lie near the potential construction site, across the agricultural belt of North Sikkim. The project would include building tunnels underneath Hee Gyathang and Sanggong villages in Dzongu to carry water to the power station. The siltation tunnel, which will divert sediment-laden water away from the main reservoir, is supposed to run beneath the Tung Kyong Dho, a sacred lake known for its rich biodiversity. Songmit Lepcha, from Dzongu's Hee Gyathang village, told Al Jazeera that she lost her livestock and plantation during flash floods in June last year. 'We are scared of rebuilding our homes,' Songmit said, her voice filled with worry. Opposition Citizen Action Party (CAP) leader Ganesh Rai told Al Jazeera that he is particularly worried about the new plans to rebuild the dam to a height of 118.64 metres, twice as high as the original. 'With climate change intensifying, any future breach could submerge all of Chungthang,' he said. 'It won't just affect Dzongu but everyone downstream.' That could include settlements in Dikchu, Rangpo, Singtam and Kalimpong, and Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts in West Bengal, which were severely affected by the 2023 flood. In places like Bhalukhola near Melli, families have been living in makeshift relief camps since the 2023 floods. Conditions are difficult, with limited access to clean water, sanitation and medical care. Struggles downstream The 2023 flood did not just destroy 22-year-old Leboon Thapa's family home in Bhalukhola in north Bengal, about 100km downstream from the site of the old Teesta III dam. It also disrupted his dreams of a professional football career. Leboon is now living with his parents in a single, cramped room inside a relief camp along the Teesta highway, which is situated above Bhalukhola. They are sandwiched between works being done to widen the highway in front of their site, and the ongoing tunnel construction work for the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project behind them. The exposed location leaves them at risk of landslides and flooding. 'If they are rebuilding the dam, they must build protection walls here for our safety,' says the lanky, athletic young man, looking around at what's left of his village. The fields he played football in as a child, as well as the playground he once ran about in, are now buried under silt and debris. 'We only have this land. If we lose it, where do we go?' About 10km further downstream in Teesta Bazar, 68-year-old Tikaram Karki lost his house and motorcycle repair shop to the 2023 flooding. His home, built above the riverbank, began cracking and sliding just a few days after the flood. 'We were hiding in the mountains in the rain. When we came back at 6am, there were no houses, roads, or electricity,' he says, as he stands next to what remains of his house and shop, both of which are leaning steeply towards the Teesta. He smiles even as he talks about his losses since that dreadful night. Tikaram now lives in a rented house with his family of four. He is paying Rs 8,000 ($93) monthly rent while struggling with financial losses as he has no way to run his business. He received some compensation from the West Bengal state government, but it does not cover all he has lost. 'I have been living here for 30 years and spent Rs 30 lakh ($35,000) building my house. I only got Rs 75,000 ($876) in compensation. What will happen with that?' Like others here, Tikaram says he believes the destruction was made worse by years of poor planning and unchecked silt buildup caused by the dam, which raised the riverbed of the Teesta. 'If they had cleared the silt during the dry months, we wouldn't be so vulnerable now,' he says. 'I cannot tell the government not to build the dam, but they should build proper protection for all the people still living along Teesta,' adds Tikaram. Rising risk In a January 2025 study by an international team of scientists and NGOs published in the Science journal, researchers warned that South Lhonak Lake is one of the more rapidly expanding and hazardous glacial lakes in Sikkim. The lake expanded from 0.15 square kilometres in 1975 to 1.68sq km by 2023, posing a danger of flooding to the communities downstream. 'The Teesta-III dam played a significant role in amplifying the downstream impact of the South Lhonak GLOF disaster,' Azam, at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), tells Al Jazeera. Azam explains that while the disastrous flood could not have been prevented, its impact could have been significantly reduced through better infrastructure planning and active monitoring of the lake. 'Reinforced spillways, sediment handling systems, and early warning systems linked to upstream sensors could have provided critical response time,' he says. The night the flood hit, the dam's power station was still operating. According to Thakkar, authorities had received alerts well in advance, but there were no standard operating procedures or emergency protocols in place about opening spillway gates during such situations. 'And there has been no accountability since,' he added. Thakkar says he is deeply concerned that the dam is being rebuilt without taking into account the flood potential based on current rainfall patterns. 'And what happens to the other downstream dams when this one releases excess water during the next flood?' he asked. 'None of them are being redesigned to withstand that kind of excess flow.' At the end of May, there was a landslide at the Teesta VI dam site in Singtam. 'This is happening every monsoon,' said Gyatso. Rai criticises the state's priorities, saying the government was 'pushing for more dams instead of strengthening disaster preparedness' at a time when the frequency of extreme weather events is expected to increase. 'No Future Here' Nearly two years after the October 2023 flood, Tashi Choden Lepcha still has no home. Her voice chokes up as she speaks about her houses in Naga village. 'We were born there, raised children there. Now we have nothing,' she says of herself and her husband, wiping her tears. Her brother used to live next door: he lost everything as well. After the disaster, she, her husband and children stayed in a school building in Naga. But when cracks appeared in the school walls, they were shifted to Singhik. The lodge, too, is beginning to show cracks in the kitchen and bathroom. Her husband and children have since relocated to Siliguri, about 150km away, for work and education, while she stayed behind alone because she teaches at Naga Secondary School. The government gave them Rs 1.3 lakh ($1,520) in compensation, but most of it went on the cost of moving their belongings to different locations. There have been discussions about allocating land higher up in the mountains for the displaced families. But many of them fear it could take years before they are rehoused. 'If the government gives us land in a safe location, we can build a house. How long can we live like this? We have no future here,' she says now. Most people in the surrounding villages share her fears. They want the dam project scrapped or moved to a safer location. Mayalmit echoes this call for caution. 'We're going to have more GLOFs, there's no doubt,' she says. 'People will have confidence only if decisions are based on proper impact assessments, considering all factors, and done in a transparent way,' Thakkar adds. 'But that's not happening now, which is why there's scepticism about hydro projects among locals.' He says that Indigenous communities must be part of the decision-making process. 'They're the ones most at risk, and also the most knowledgeable.' Praful Rao of Save The Hills, an NGO working in disaster management in North Bengal and Sikkim, has called for joint disaster planning between the two states. 'What happens upstream affects us downstream. It is time we work together for science-based disaster planning, not blindly push dam projects for revenue.' While hydroelectricity is important for India's energy future, Rao warns against unchecked expansion. 'You can't build dams every few kilometres. We need to study how many this fragile region can safely support.' Mayalmit urges central and state authorities to reconsider the approval. 'Don't act against Indigenous rights, the environment. I speak for the rivers, the birds and the animals here.'
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Video: This Little ‘Milkman' Helping Mom Feels Like A Scene From A Ruskin Bond Story
Last Updated: The viral video shows the boy walking through difficult terrain to deliver milk to help his mother. A heartwarming video is winning hearts across social media for all the right reasons. It features a young boy, dressed in a raincoat, making his way through a muddy and slippery path. But what is special about it? This little one is out delivering milk to help his mother. The video was shared on Instagram by Nimkipu Lepcha, a teacher in Sikkim. It shows the boy walking through difficult terrain. He carries a milk bag tied like a headband to keep his hands free. It is drizzling, so the path is not easy, but nothing seems to stop him. The destination is a hostel and he makes sure the milk reaches there on time. As the video plays, an overlay text reads, 'The milkman has arrived once again, bringing fresh goodness to our doorstep!" A Moving Gesture Lepcha, moved by his effort, meets him during the delivery. She offers him chocolates as a thank-you gift. The boy receives it with both hands, bows politely and smiles with pure joy. But that wasn't all. She then surprises him with a Spider-Man soft toy and a new pair of shoes. As he holds the toy, his face lights up with a huge smile. He folds his hands again to say thank you. Towards the end of the video, Lepcha joins the boy to walk back with him to his home. In the caption, Lepcha shared a heartfelt note about her childhood, writing, 'Age is simply a number when it comes to taking on responsibilities, and even the youngest among us can find ways to support their parents. From my experience, I realised how much I grew up by observing my mother's tireless efforts and dedication." 'I always tried to lend a helping hand to her, even when I was just a child, and through those moments, I learned the true meaning of responsibility and compassion. It shaped me into the person I am today, instilling in me the value of being there for others," she added. Watch the video here: Internet Applauds The Little Milkman Since being posted, the video has crossed over five million views. In the comment section, people can't get over the boy's determination and humble nature. One user commented, 'Cute milkman. The way he says thank you with folded hands is so respectful and cute." Another shared, 'My heart aches watching this, but at the same time it's making me smile." 'Cutest milkman I've ever seen," someone declared while a person exclaimed, 'Omg, how cute and so humble, reminds all of us to be true and genuine." 'Look at his happiness and how he accepts his gifts with great respect," a viewer pointed out. 'Little boy proved responsibility has no age," read another comment. Another Young Hero Recently, during Operation Sindoor, a 10-year-old boy from a village in Punjab's Ferozepur won hearts by helping Indian soldiers. He brought them lassi, milk and cold water every day to make sure they stayed refreshed during the tense times. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : sikkim viral viral news view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
United News of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
BJP Sikkim cuts ties with Y T Lepcha
States » East Gangtok, July 25 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Sikkim has officially distanced itself from Y T Lepcha, stating clearly that he is no longer associated with the party. In a strong statement released by BJP Sikkim's publicity wing, the party said any remarks made by Lepcha in the name of BJP are 'personal, unauthorized, and inaccurate.' The party explained that Lepcha had openly supported a rival political party during the 2024 general elections. By doing so, BJP says, he indulged in anti-party activities. As a result, his affiliation with the party ended and he now holds no official or unofficial position within BJP. 'Y T Lepcha is not a member of BJP Sikkim,' the press release read. 'His views do not reflect the position of the party.' The BJP also strongly warned against misuse of its name for individual political motives. The party has urged both the public and media to not give weight to any comments Lepcha makes in BJP's name, as they do not represent the party's position. According to party officials, the BJP in Sikkim stands by its core principles—clean politics, transparent public service and protection of democratic values. 'We remain committed to working for the welfare of Sikkimese people, and such distractions will not affect our focus,' a senior leader from the state unit said, requesting anonymity. UNI SUJ SS
United News of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
'Empowering rural artisans key to strengthening our economy', says Sikkim RS MP
Gangtok, July 25 (UNI) Sikkim's Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, D.T. Lepcha, has raised an important question in the Rajya Sabha regarding the development and promotion of handicrafts and handloom sectors in rural areas. He highlighted the challenges faced by rural artisans and called for strong support from the central government to help preserve traditional crafts and improve livelihoods in the hills. During the session, MP Lepcha directed his query to the Ministry of Textiles. He sought detailed information on what the government is doing to support rural artisans who are struggling to sustain their craft in today's changing economy. In reply, the Ministry informed that several support measures are already in place under different government schemes. According to the Ministry, rural artisans are eligible for financial help in various areas such as purchasing raw materials, yarns, tools, and toolkits. They also receive support for product innovation, design development and marketing, both within India and in foreign markets. Special emphasis is given to help them expand their business and improve the quality of their products so they can compete better in the market. The Ministry also mentioned that infrastructure development is a key part of these schemes. This includes building proper workspaces for artisans to carry out their work. One such initiative is the National Handicrafts Development Programme, under which the government provides a 100 percent grant for the construction of worksheds. This support is available for weavers and artisans from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), women, transgender individuals, and persons with disabilities (PwD). MP Lepcha said that these kinds of steps are very important for rural India and particularly for states like Sikkim, where many people still depend on traditional crafts to earn a living. He said, 'Such initiatives are vital in empowering our traditional artisans, preserving indigenous crafts, and strengthening the rural economy.' Handloom and handicraft work have been part of Sikkim's cultural heritage for generations. Many families in villages continue to engage in weaving, wood carving, and other traditional arts, but rising costs, lack of exposure, and limited access to modern markets have made it difficult for them to continue. Lepcha pointed out that by giving rural artisans access to better tools, credit at low interest and opportunities to showcase their work, the government can bring real change to these communities, he added. UNI SUJ SS
India.com
23-07-2025
- India.com
Planning A Trip To Northeast India? Don't Miss These 10 Incredible Heritage Sites
photoDetails english 2935564 Updated:Jul 23, 2025, 11:15 AM IST 1 / 12 Northeast India is a treasure trove of cultural richness, ancient traditions, and historical marvels waiting to be explored. Each state in the region offers a unique peek into its vibrant past through forts, temples, palaces, and sacred sites. Whether you're a history buff, spiritual seeker, or curious traveller, these heritage sites are bound to leave a lasting impression. Kamakhya Temple, Assam – A Powerful Shakti Peeth 2 / 12 Located atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, it draws millions of pilgrims, especially during the Ambubachi Mela. The temple's unique tantric rituals and ancient stone architecture reflect a mystical heritage. Rang Ghar, Assam – The Ancient Amphitheatre of Ahoms 3 / 12 Known as Asia's oldest amphitheatre, Rang Ghar was built by the Ahom kings in the 18th century. Located in Sivasagar, it was used as a royal pavilion for watching sports and cultural events. Its egg-shaped dome and Indo-Mughal architecture symbolize the grandeur of Ahom rule. Unakoti, Tripura – Rock Carvings Lost in Time 4 / 12 Unakoti is an archaeological and spiritual site dotted with thousands of rock-cut carvings and sculptures of Hindu deities. It is believed that the site is over a thousand years old, and the name "Unakoti" means "one less than a crore," referring to the number of carvings. Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Meghalaya – Forest of Legends 5 / 12 This ancient sacred forest near Shillong is deeply rooted in Khasi tribal traditions. Home to centuries-old trees and monoliths, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove is preserved by the local community and is considered spiritually inviolable. No object can be taken out from the forest, as per tribal belief. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh – The Largest in India 6 / 12 Perched at 10,000 feet in the Himalayas, Tawang Monastery is a 17th-century Buddhist monastery that offers breathtaking views and deep spiritual energy. It houses valuable scriptures and a giant golden Buddha statue. The monastery plays a key role in the cultural identity of the Monpa people. Kangla Fort, Manipur – The Ancient Capital of Meitei Kings 7 / 12 Situated in Imphal, Kangla Fort once served as the royal palace of the Meitei kings. With sacred temples, royal shrines, and mythical structures, the fort is a symbol of Manipur's regal and spiritual history. It's a must-visit to understand the legacy of Manipuri culture. Dzongu, Sikkim – Preserving Lepcha Heritage 8 / 12 Dzongu is a heritage village area in North Sikkim, home to the indigenous Lepcha tribe. With traditional bamboo homes, ancestral practices, and untouched nature, Dzongu offers an authentic glimpse into tribal heritage and sustainable living. Ujjayanta Palace, Tripura – The Royal Heart of Agartala 9 / 12 Built in the early 20th century, Ujjayanta Palace is a grand structure that once housed the royal family of Tripura. Today, it serves as a state museum with exhibits on Northeast culture, tribal life, and royal artifacts. The Mughal-style gardens and regal halls are architectural highlights. Sibsagar Tank and Temples, Assam – Legacy of the Ahoms 10 / 12 Sibsagar, once the capital of the Ahom kingdom, is known for its massive water tank (Sibsagar Tank) and surrounding temples like Shivadol, Vishnudol, and Devidol. These structures showcase the Ahom dynasty's dedication to architecture, religion, and urban planning. Nartiang Monoliths, Meghalaya – Standing Stones of Strength 11 / 12 Nartiang, in the West Jaintia Hills, is home to one of the largest collections of monoliths in India. These megalithic stones were erected by the Jaintia kings as symbols of victory and respect. Walking among these stones is like stepping into a forgotten chapter of tribal valor. 12 / 12 Northeast India is more than just scenic beauty — it's a region steeped in history, mythology, and ancestral pride. These heritage sites reflect the cultural soul of their people and the enduring stories of kingdoms, communities, and faiths. Whether you're exploring majestic monasteries or sacred forests, every step uncovers a deeper connection to the past.
