News & Announcement
PHE Department Clarifies Concerns Regarding Ratechu Water Supply System
Gangtok, February 21 (IPR): The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department today convened a press conference to address public concerns regarding water scarcity from the Ratechu River source.
Secretary, PHE, Mr Shailendra Sharma, informed that the briefing was organised to place factual and technical details before the public on the functioning of the water distribution system. He presented comparative pictorial evidence of water levels at the Ratechu intake point from January 2025 and January 2026, indicating a noticeable decline in discharge. He explained that in compliance with environmental regulations, the department cannot fully harness the river source, as a mandatory environmental flow must be maintained to protect the aquatic ecosystem and ensure downstream sustainability.
Elaborating on the technical aspects, the Secretary explained that the steep and undulating terrain prevents uniform pipeline gradients, resulting in turbulence within the system. He noted that such turbulence generates forward pressure, back pressure and suction forces, requiring systematic regulation. The Secretary clarified that pressure-regulating mechanisms have been installed at multiple points along the distribution network and that the ‘Pressure Releasing System’ has been misconstrued as leakage. He pointed out that a 14-inch pressure release valve has been strategically installed to regulate excess pressure and prevent pipe bursts, particularly in high-gradient sections. Mr Sharma clarified that the mist-like spray visible in photographs actually reflects controlled pressure release and not leakage.
Highlighting maintenance constraints, the Secretary explained that due to the stacking and interconnection of pipelines across varying elevations, permanent rectification requires complete shutdown of the supply line for 12–18 hours to stabilise internal pressure and ensure safe repairs. He stated that such shutdowns are not feasible during dry spells without severely affecting water supply to consumers. The Secretary informed that daily plugging and routine monitoring are undertaken to manage minor leakages and maintain operational stability. He added that during the rainy season, when additional water from seasonal streams in the lower belts supplements the system, upstream pipelines can be temporarily shut down to carry out comprehensive maintenance and permanent repairs.
Addressing monsoon-related disruptions, the Secretary stated that intake channels frequently get obstructed by debris due to bank erosion at Tharo Khola above the Ratechu intake point. He explained that accumulated silt and debris must be manually cleared, necessitating the temporary suspension of supply. The Secretary added that landslides and erosion are natural challenges in hilly terrain and directly impact intake efficiency and pipeline safety.
On the distribution network, the Secretary informed that High-Density Polyethene (HDPE) pipes are used to supply water to areas above the 8th Mile. He explained that while these pipes perform efficiently under stable and straight flow conditions, steep uphill sections create suction, leading to decompression of pipe walls. He cautioned that repeated compression and decompression cycles may weaken the pipes over time. The Secretary informed that air-release nozzles have been installed at critical points to release trapped air and stabilise internal pressure within the system. He reiterated that minor discharge through these air vents during full-capacity flow is part of normal pressure regulation.
On supply management, the Secretary asserted that through rationalisation of supply hours, pressure balancing and systematic monitoring of the distribution network, water availability for domestic consumption has improved despite reduced discharge at the source. Mr Sharma expressed appreciation to consumers for their cooperation in ensuring equitable and judicious use of water.
Regarding long-term augmentation, the Secretary informed that the Bhusuk River has been identified as an alternative water source. He stated that a minimum period of three years is required to assess its adequacy, sustainability and potability before finalisation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The Secretary further informed that surveys have been underway since 2020–21, the DPR has been approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the final Bill of Quantities has been submitted for concurrence. He added that upon approval, the project will proceed to the tendering and implementation stages.
The Secretary concluded by reiterating that water is presently equitably available for domestic use and urged the public to practise responsible and conscious consumption.
Secretary, PHE, Mr Shailendra Sharma, informed that the briefing was organised to place factual and technical details before the public on the functioning of the water distribution system. He presented comparative pictorial evidence of water levels at the Ratechu intake point from January 2025 and January 2026, indicating a noticeable decline in discharge. He explained that in compliance with environmental regulations, the department cannot fully harness the river source, as a mandatory environmental flow must be maintained to protect the aquatic ecosystem and ensure downstream sustainability.
Elaborating on the technical aspects, the Secretary explained that the steep and undulating terrain prevents uniform pipeline gradients, resulting in turbulence within the system. He noted that such turbulence generates forward pressure, back pressure and suction forces, requiring systematic regulation. The Secretary clarified that pressure-regulating mechanisms have been installed at multiple points along the distribution network and that the ‘Pressure Releasing System’ has been misconstrued as leakage. He pointed out that a 14-inch pressure release valve has been strategically installed to regulate excess pressure and prevent pipe bursts, particularly in high-gradient sections. Mr Sharma clarified that the mist-like spray visible in photographs actually reflects controlled pressure release and not leakage.
Highlighting maintenance constraints, the Secretary explained that due to the stacking and interconnection of pipelines across varying elevations, permanent rectification requires complete shutdown of the supply line for 12–18 hours to stabilise internal pressure and ensure safe repairs. He stated that such shutdowns are not feasible during dry spells without severely affecting water supply to consumers. The Secretary informed that daily plugging and routine monitoring are undertaken to manage minor leakages and maintain operational stability. He added that during the rainy season, when additional water from seasonal streams in the lower belts supplements the system, upstream pipelines can be temporarily shut down to carry out comprehensive maintenance and permanent repairs.
Addressing monsoon-related disruptions, the Secretary stated that intake channels frequently get obstructed by debris due to bank erosion at Tharo Khola above the Ratechu intake point. He explained that accumulated silt and debris must be manually cleared, necessitating the temporary suspension of supply. The Secretary added that landslides and erosion are natural challenges in hilly terrain and directly impact intake efficiency and pipeline safety.
On the distribution network, the Secretary informed that High-Density Polyethene (HDPE) pipes are used to supply water to areas above the 8th Mile. He explained that while these pipes perform efficiently under stable and straight flow conditions, steep uphill sections create suction, leading to decompression of pipe walls. He cautioned that repeated compression and decompression cycles may weaken the pipes over time. The Secretary informed that air-release nozzles have been installed at critical points to release trapped air and stabilise internal pressure within the system. He reiterated that minor discharge through these air vents during full-capacity flow is part of normal pressure regulation.
On supply management, the Secretary asserted that through rationalisation of supply hours, pressure balancing and systematic monitoring of the distribution network, water availability for domestic consumption has improved despite reduced discharge at the source. Mr Sharma expressed appreciation to consumers for their cooperation in ensuring equitable and judicious use of water.
Regarding long-term augmentation, the Secretary informed that the Bhusuk River has been identified as an alternative water source. He stated that a minimum period of three years is required to assess its adequacy, sustainability and potability before finalisation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The Secretary further informed that surveys have been underway since 2020–21, the DPR has been approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the final Bill of Quantities has been submitted for concurrence. He added that upon approval, the project will proceed to the tendering and implementation stages.
The Secretary concluded by reiterating that water is presently equitably available for domestic use and urged the public to practise responsible and conscious consumption.
