Gangtok, February 11: The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Government of Sikkim, has issued a public notice alerting citizens to a critical depletion of water sources across the State following an unprecedented dry winter.
According to the department, no significant precipitation has been recorded between November 2025 and February 2026. Unlike previous years, when intermittent rainfall during winter months allowed marginal regeneration of water sources, this season’s prolonged dry spell—compounded by the impacts of climate change—has led to a sharp decline in water availability.
PHED informed that discharge levels at water sources throughout the State have fallen by nearly 50 percent since September 2025, with further decline anticipated from March to May. As a result, water supply to serviced zones will now be limited to once daily until conditions improve.
Emphasising that drinking water is essential for life, the department stated that domestic consumption must take precedence during this critical period. Commercial establishments have been appealed to marginally reduce their activities to help conserve water. Authorities cautioned that continued dry conditions may result in acute shortages in the coming months if conservation measures are not strictly observed.
The State Government has taken serious cognizance of the issue. Under the direction of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang and the guidance of Hon’ble Minister for PHED, Ven Sonam Lama, a project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is in an advanced stage. The project aims to source additional water from the Bhusuk Khola side to augment supply and meet the growing demand of the capital city.
In the interim, PHED has initiated several measures to optimise water drawal from available sources. These include raising embankments at river intake points, plugging detected leakages, and issuing a public advisory dated January 30, 2026, urging citizens to minimise wastage.
Households have been earnestly requested to adopt strict water conservation practices. In particular, homes where storage tanks overflow due to higher differential pressure have been advised to install float valves to ensure equitable distribution to areas experiencing lower pressure. The department warned that any wastage detected will invite strict action under Section 7 (Prohibition of pollution, wastage, misuse or disturbances in equitable distribution of water) of The Sikkim Water Supply and Water Charges Act, 2025, along with other relevant provisions.
