An army doctor provides medical assistance to a tourist at Kyangnosla in Sikkim

Several tourists were stranded after a heavy snowfall in East Sikkim on December 24.

The snow disrupted traffic movement on the road that links Gangtok and Nathu-la.

Thirty-two vehicles, with 158 visitors including 46 women and 30 children, got stuck near Kyangnosla village.

The Nathu-la brigade mobilised rescue teams from the nearby army units to take the stranded visitors to safety and provide with them with food and shelter for the night.

The commander of the brigade supervised the rescue operation.

He was accompanied by local commanders of the army units.

The tourists were provided with medical attention, warm clothing, tea and refreshments before being taken to the army transit camp at 17 Mile.

The visitors stayed at the camp and other units in the vicinity where they were given hot water, blankets and food.

lAsha Kiran Centre, Bengdubi, a centre for the specially-abled children, organised a programme on World Disability Day on December 2.

The children of the school presented a cultural programme, which included a skit on save forest theme, a solo and an Adivasi dance.

Sangeeta Mohan, president of Family Welfare Organisation Bengdubi Military Station, was present at the event along with the parents of the specially abled children.

Supriya Bhola, the principal of the centre, and Mohan addressed the gathering at the event and stressed on the need to care the special children and to give them the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.

Sweets and gifts were distributed to the children.

lThe Army Eco Park was inaugurated by Renu Chopra, president of Black Cat Family Welfare Organisation, on December 6.

The park, located at the 517 Army Supply Corps (ASC) Battalion at Tadong in Gangtok, has suitable soil and climatic conditions, and offers a view of the Ranka ridge where, the Rumtek and Tumlung monasteries are located.

The idea of building the park, which developed over a period of two years, germinated in October 2007.

The eco-park has four terraces carved out of the mountainside and an underground water system that includes a water-harvesting tank.

Organic farming techniques have also been introduced.