Gangtok, 11 Feb : The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department on Tuesday briefed the media on the growing water crisis affecting the region, attributing the situation to an unusually harsh winter and a sharp decline in rainfall.
The press conference was led by PCE-cum-Secretary of PHE, Shailendra Sharma, in the presence of Chief Engineer Pema Donka, Additional Chief Engineer Sonam C. Lepcha, Superintending Engineer Yeshey Dorjee, Divisional Engineer Pushpa Sharma, and Assistant Engineer Archana Lama.
Addressing reporters, Sharma explained that the prolonged dry spell and inadequate precipitation have significantly reduced the recharge of natural water sources. He noted that climate change and global warming have contributed to the adverse weather conditions. Compared to September 2025, water discharge levels across the state have dropped by nearly 50 to 60 percent.
With the Rateychu River — the primary water source for Gangtok — witnessing severe depletion, authorities have decided to restrict water supply to once a day to ensure fair distribution among consumers. The department will soon issue a public service announcement detailing revised supply timings for different localities. Sharma also clarified that, as per Government of India norms, the storage capacity of the existing water supply system is capped at 30 percent.
The department has urged commercial establishments to limit water usage and avoid wastage. Despite drawing water within permissible ecological limits to safeguard aquatic life, the high rate of consumption has made twice-daily supply unfeasible. Households, particularly those in lower-altitude areas that tend to receive comparatively higher volumes, have been advised to install ballcocks and float valves in storage tanks to prevent overflow.
Officials warned that violations involving water wastage would attract penalties under Sections 7, 8, and 15 of the Water Supply and Water Charges Act, 2025.
In a long-term measure, the Bhusuk River is being developed as an alternative water source with financial support from the Asian Development Bank. The project is reportedly in an advanced stage, with tendering expected to commence by March. If operationalised, the Bhusuk source could cater to areas below Tadong, allowing the Rateychu supply to be reserved for Gangtok and higher elevations, thereby improving overall distribution efficiency.
During the briefing, officials also presented photographic evidence from the Rateychu intake point, illustrating the stark contrast in water levels between September 2025 and February 2026.
The department concluded by appealing to residents to cooperate and adopt responsible water usage practices during the ongoing crisis.
