An appraisal of socio-economic condition of Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, represents one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the Eastern Himalayas. Fast urbanization driven by tourism, trade, administrative expansion, and ruralurban migration has significantly transformed the city. The study aims to examine the situation of Gangtok with special reference to the booming population, literacy, occupational structure, infrastructure, and urban challenges. The research is based on both primary and secondary data, where a sample of 260 respondents was selected using purposive and cluster sampling techniques. Statistical and cartographic methods, including percentage analysis, CAGR analysis, choropleth mapping, population density analysis, and graphical representation, were employed for data interpretation. The findings reveal that Gangtok recorded a literacy rate of 100%, while nearly 92% of the working population was engaged in the tertiary sector, illustrating a transition from a traditional agrarian economy to a service-based urban economy. Improvements in healthcare, education, transport, hospitality, tourism and government services have strengthened the local economy, rapid demographic expansion, land scarcity, traffic congestion, water shortages, and inadequate sewerage systems continue to place pressure on the fragile Himalayan environment. The study concludes that sustainable urban planning, environmental conservation, and inclusive infrastructure policies are necessary for ensuring balanced and resilient urban development in Gangtok.