Sikkim Faces Acute Water Crisis Amid Climate and Infrastructure Challenges
Gangtok, May 20, 2025: Sikkim is currently grappling with a severe water shortage, affecting both urban and rural communities across the state. The crisis stems from a combination of aging infrastructure, declining natural water sources, and the growing impacts of climate change.
Urban Water Supply Under Pressure
The capital city, Gangtok, is witnessing widespread disruptions in its daily water supply. The Rateychu stream, Gangtok’s primary water source, has seen its output drop from 28 million liters per day (MLD) to just 18–22 MLD during the winter of 2023–24. With the city’s demand standing at 30 MLD, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department has been forced to tap into alternate local sources to bridge the deficit.
A recent pipeline burst near the District Collectorate office further exacerbated the situation, severely affecting water supply to STNM Hospital. In response, authorities temporarily deployed firefighting tanks to maintain critical hospital operations until the line was repaired.
In Rangpo, a vital border town, residents are also suffering after a major pipeline was damaged. Many households are now relying on untreated river and groundwater sources, raising concerns over water safety and potential health hazards.
Tourism Sector Feels the Strain
The tourism industry—one of Sikkim’s key economic drivers—is also reeling from the effects of the water crisis. Hotels and guesthouses in Gangtok report a sharp decline in bookings as they struggle to provide basic water services to guests. In desperation, some establishments have begun sourcing water directly from nearby natural streams to meet daily needs.
Rural Communities in Distress
The situation is equally grim in rural areas, particularly in West and South Sikkim, where traditional spring sources (dhara) have dried up. Local residents cite erratic rainfall, deforestation, and soil erosion as primary causes. In response, the state government has revived the Dhara Vikas programme, which focuses on mapping spring recharge zones and implementing water retention measures to rejuvenate these critical resources.
Climate Change Intensifies Crisis
Experts warn that climate change is accelerating the crisis. The Himalayan region has now experienced three consecutive years of below-average snowfall, with a 23.6% shortfall recorded in 2025 alone. This trend threatens major river systems like the Teesta, which are crucial for agriculture, hydroelectric power, and drinking water supply. Scientists caution that continued snow deficits could lead to prolonged drought conditions across the region.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
The Sikkim government has launched several initiatives to combat the ongoing crisis:
- Watershed Yatra Campaign: Rolled out in Mangan under the WDC-PMKSY 2.0 scheme to promote watershed management and community-led conservation efforts.
- Pipeline Repairs: Emergency repair works are underway in both Gangtok and Rangpo to restore disrupted water lines.
- Tanker Supply: Water tankers have been deployed to ensure emergency supply, especially to hospitals, schools, and essential government facilities.
While the upcoming monsoon season may offer temporary relief, environmentalists and officials stress the need for long-term solutions. These include sustainable water resource management, investment in infrastructure upgrades, revival of traditional sources, and policies to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.As Sikkim navigates this critical juncture, coordinated efforts between the government, communities, and experts will be essential to secure a sustainable water future for the state.
