Places in News – Rangeet River

Context

A three-day river festival is planned near Jorethang, Sikkim, along the Rangeet River, combining catch-and-release fishing, river conservation, adventure tourism and local cultural activities.

About Rangeet River

1. Rangeet (Rangit) is an important tributary of the Teesta River, which is the largest river system in Sikkim.
2. Origin and Course
   1. The river rises from a glacier near Mount Kabru in the lower Kanchenjunga region of the Himalayas.
   2. It originates in West Sikkim and remains perennial, receiving water from snowmelt during summer and monsoon rainfall between June and September.
   3. It flows through places such as Pelling, Legship and Jorethang before meeting the Teesta near Teesta Bazaar.
   4. Near its lower course, it also forms part of the boundary between Sikkim and Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
3. Ecological and Economic Importance
   1. The river supports cold-water fish, including trout, and provides freshwater and irrigation for nearby communities.
   2. Its forested banks support the surrounding mountain ecosystem, while some stretches are used for terrace cultivation.
   3. Its fast-flowing waters make it a popular destination for white-water rafting.
   4. The river also supports small hydropower projects.
4. Rangeet Dam
   1. The Rangeet Dam, located on the river, became operational in 2000.
   2. It is a 60 MW hydropower project.
   3. The dam is a 45-metre-high concrete gravity structure with a length of about 100 metres.

The Rangeet is important not only as a Himalayan river ecosystem, but also for fisheries, agriculture, hydropower and adventure tourism in Sikkim.