Press Release
Press Release from the Office of the Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
Chief Secretary Chairs High-Level Review Meeting on Water Scarcity, Forest Fire Prevention and Avian Influenza Preparedness.
Gangtok, February 17: The Chief Secretary, Shri R. Telang, chaired a high-level inter-departmental meeting at the Conference Hall of Tashiling Secretariat on February 17, 2026, to review preparedness and response measures relating to water scarcity in urban areas, prevention of forest fires and the outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in wild birds. The meeting was attended by Heads of Departments and senior officials concerned.
Reviewing the water supply situation, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department informed that Gangtok and Mangan are experiencing water scarcity due to a prolonged dry spell over the past few months. The Department has initiated measures to prevent wastage caused by leakages in pipelines and reservoirs and will undertake door-to-door inspections of consumer households to check overflow and misuse of water from overhead tanks.
Construction of a diversion wall at Rateychu to harness available water has commenced. Leakages along the raw water mains from the Rateychu source to WTP Selep have been identified and immediate repair works are in progress. As a result of these interventions, there has been an improvement in the water level at Selep. The Department stated that it is presently in a position to provide a one-time water supply to consumers and efforts are underway to enhance the duration of supply. Water tankers are also kept on standby for deployment if required.
On forest fire preparedness, the Forest Department informed that preventive measures have been intensified during the vulnerable pre-monsoon season through a proactive and community-centred approach focusing on early detection, prevention and preparedness. In coordination with the State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and other line agencies, early warning systems, real-time monitoring and inter-agency response mechanisms have been strengthened.
Preventive activities are being undertaken in collaboration with Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), Eco-Development Committees (EDCs), Panchayats, NGOs and Quick Response Teams (QRTs). The Department is also coordinating with the Police, Army and ITBP to ensure swift emergency response. Citizens, particularly those residing near forest areas, have been urged to refrain from burning agricultural residue near forests, avoid leaving campfires unattended and promptly report any fire incidents.
The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department presented the prevailing situation concerning Avian Influenza (H5N1) in wild birds. The Department reported unusual mortality of wild birds, including crows, pigeons and a Pekin robin from areas around Ranipool Bazar, Manipal area and Forest Colony, as well as the death of an owl at Dosa Point, Bardang under Pakyong District.
It was informed that immediate containment and control measures have been initiated in accordance with the Government of India’s Action Plan on Avian Influenza. Continuous surveillance, extensive sanitisation and disinfection drives are being carried out in the affected areas. Capacity-building initiatives, including specialised technical training for forest and wildlife officials to strengthen field-level surveillance and reporting, were also conducted at the Conference Hall of the State Veterinary Hospital-cum-Referral Centre, Tadong.
The Chief Secretary directed all departments to maintain close coordination, ensure timely implementation of preventive measures and remain vigilant to safeguard public health, the environment and essential services across the State.
Gangtok, February 17: The Chief Secretary, Shri R. Telang, chaired a high-level inter-departmental meeting at the Conference Hall of Tashiling Secretariat on February 17, 2026, to review preparedness and response measures relating to water scarcity in urban areas, prevention of forest fires and the outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in wild birds. The meeting was attended by Heads of Departments and senior officials concerned.
Reviewing the water supply situation, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department informed that Gangtok and Mangan are experiencing water scarcity due to a prolonged dry spell over the past few months. The Department has initiated measures to prevent wastage caused by leakages in pipelines and reservoirs and will undertake door-to-door inspections of consumer households to check overflow and misuse of water from overhead tanks.
Construction of a diversion wall at Rateychu to harness available water has commenced. Leakages along the raw water mains from the Rateychu source to WTP Selep have been identified and immediate repair works are in progress. As a result of these interventions, there has been an improvement in the water level at Selep. The Department stated that it is presently in a position to provide a one-time water supply to consumers and efforts are underway to enhance the duration of supply. Water tankers are also kept on standby for deployment if required.
On forest fire preparedness, the Forest Department informed that preventive measures have been intensified during the vulnerable pre-monsoon season through a proactive and community-centred approach focusing on early detection, prevention and preparedness. In coordination with the State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and other line agencies, early warning systems, real-time monitoring and inter-agency response mechanisms have been strengthened.
Preventive activities are being undertaken in collaboration with Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), Eco-Development Committees (EDCs), Panchayats, NGOs and Quick Response Teams (QRTs). The Department is also coordinating with the Police, Army and ITBP to ensure swift emergency response. Citizens, particularly those residing near forest areas, have been urged to refrain from burning agricultural residue near forests, avoid leaving campfires unattended and promptly report any fire incidents.
The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department presented the prevailing situation concerning Avian Influenza (H5N1) in wild birds. The Department reported unusual mortality of wild birds, including crows, pigeons and a Pekin robin from areas around Ranipool Bazar, Manipal area and Forest Colony, as well as the death of an owl at Dosa Point, Bardang under Pakyong District.
It was informed that immediate containment and control measures have been initiated in accordance with the Government of India’s Action Plan on Avian Influenza. Continuous surveillance, extensive sanitisation and disinfection drives are being carried out in the affected areas. Capacity-building initiatives, including specialised technical training for forest and wildlife officials to strengthen field-level surveillance and reporting, were also conducted at the Conference Hall of the State Veterinary Hospital-cum-Referral Centre, Tadong.
The Chief Secretary directed all departments to maintain close coordination, ensure timely implementation of preventive measures and remain vigilant to safeguard public health, the environment and essential services across the State.
