Press Release
Public Notice Issued By Public Health Engineering Department
Information & Public Relations Department
PUBLIC NOTICE ISSUED BY
PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
NIRMAN BHAWAN, GANGTOK
GOS/PHED/412 11th Feb 2026
Depletion of Water Sources
Esteemed citizens are aware that this winter has been unprecedented—no significant precipitation has fallen between November 2025 and February 2026, leaving our water sources critically depleted. In previous years, intermittent rainfall during these months allowed marginal regeneration, but this season’s prolonged dry spell, compounded by climate change, has sharply reduced water availability.
Discharge at our sources, throughout the State, has fallen by nearly 50% since September 2025, and further decline is expected from March through May. Consequently, water supply can now be provided only once daily to serviced zones.
Since drinking water is the very basis of life, domestic use must therefore take precedence, and commercial establishments are asked to reduce activities marginally during this critical period. Curtailing wastage and consumption is imperative, as continued dry conditions may lead to an acute shortage in the coming months. The State Government has already taken cognisance of this serious issue and, under the directions of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang and the guidance of Hon’ble Minister PHED Ven Sonam Lama, a project under ADB funding, for sourcing of water from the alternate sources from the Bhusuk Khola side, is already in an advanced stage to meet the city’s demand.
Presently, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) has initiated measures to optimise drawal from available sources, including raising embankments at river intake points, plugging detected leakages, and issuing public advisory vide Appeal dated 30.01.26 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AVCXLeFB/?mibextid=wwXlfr
All households are earnestly requested to adopt measures to avoid wastage. In particular, those households whose tanks overflow due to higher differential pressure are requested to install float valves to ensure equitable flow to houses with lower pressure. 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.
Together, through responsible use and collective effort, we can safeguard this most vital resource and ensure equitable access for every household. This information and appeal are being issued in the public interest.
PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
NIRMAN BHAWAN, GANGTOK
GOS/PHED/412 11th Feb 2026
Depletion of Water Sources
Esteemed citizens are aware that this winter has been unprecedented—no significant precipitation has fallen between November 2025 and February 2026, leaving our water sources critically depleted. In previous years, intermittent rainfall during these months allowed marginal regeneration, but this season’s prolonged dry spell, compounded by climate change, has sharply reduced water availability.
Discharge at our sources, throughout the State, has fallen by nearly 50% since September 2025, and further decline is expected from March through May. Consequently, water supply can now be provided only once daily to serviced zones.
Since drinking water is the very basis of life, domestic use must therefore take precedence, and commercial establishments are asked to reduce activities marginally during this critical period. Curtailing wastage and consumption is imperative, as continued dry conditions may lead to an acute shortage in the coming months. The State Government has already taken cognisance of this serious issue and, under the directions of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang and the guidance of Hon’ble Minister PHED Ven Sonam Lama, a project under ADB funding, for sourcing of water from the alternate sources from the Bhusuk Khola side, is already in an advanced stage to meet the city’s demand.
Presently, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) has initiated measures to optimise drawal from available sources, including raising embankments at river intake points, plugging detected leakages, and issuing public advisory vide Appeal dated 30.01.26 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AVCXLeFB/?mibextid=wwXlfr
All households are earnestly requested to adopt measures to avoid wastage. In particular, those households whose tanks overflow due to higher differential pressure are requested to install float valves to ensure equitable flow to houses with lower pressure. 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.
Together, through responsible use and collective effort, we can safeguard this most vital resource and ensure equitable access for every household. This information and appeal are being issued in the public interest.
