Press Release
Press Release from DAC, Soreng
Information & Public Relations Department
February 17, 2026: In compliance with directives issued by the Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, a district-level review meeting on the current water crisis and forest fire situation was held at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Soreng, today.
DC (Soreng) Mr Dhiraj Subedi addressed the house on the pressing issue of drinking water availability. He instructed the concerned departments to conduct thorough inspections of all water pipelines to detect leakages and ensure immediate repairs. He emphasised the importance of supplying water on an hourly basis to households, particularly in areas facing acute shortages, to ensure judicious distribution and usage. He further urged the departments to prioritise action in the most affected regions and to work collaboratively to prevent disruption of essential water services.
In addition, regarding forest fire prevention and mitigation, DFO (T) Ms Pegyla Venchungpa. She outlined key strategies that included the regular maintenance of forest fire lines, conducting mass awareness campaigns up to the Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) level and strengthening coordination between the Forest and Fire Departments in case of incidents.
Additionally, Joint Director (Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services) Dr Kunzang Palmu presented on avian flu, briefing the house on its modes of transmission and potential risks. She stressed the role of DC and various other line departments, including Health, Forest and Police, in preventing a mass outbreak of the disease. She then urged all departments to maintain vigilance, coordinate effectively and implement preventive measures to safeguard both livestock and public health. Dr. Palmoo also informed that the recent deaths of pigs across the district can be attributed to African swine flu, which is highly pathogenic. She informed the house regarding the provision of compensation to the farmers in case of the death of pigs due to the disease and the process for filing a compensation claim
The forest fire-prone areas identified by the Panchayats were also highlighted in the house, ensuring that all participants were aware of the high-risk zones. The Fire Department further proposed exploring the creation of water reservoirs for firefighting through rainwater harvesting to enhance preparedness.
Present during the meeting were ADC (Dev) Mr Gaayas Pega, SDM (HQ) Mr Prem K Subba, SDM (Soreng) Ms Sakchum Lepcha, SDM (Mangalbaria) Mr DN Sharma, AE Mr Kamal Sharma, BDOs, Fire Service (Soreng) Mr Bishnu Sharma, Assistant Engineers, Junior Engineers (PHE) and Officials of various line departments.
DC (Soreng) Mr Dhiraj Subedi addressed the house on the pressing issue of drinking water availability. He instructed the concerned departments to conduct thorough inspections of all water pipelines to detect leakages and ensure immediate repairs. He emphasised the importance of supplying water on an hourly basis to households, particularly in areas facing acute shortages, to ensure judicious distribution and usage. He further urged the departments to prioritise action in the most affected regions and to work collaboratively to prevent disruption of essential water services.
In addition, regarding forest fire prevention and mitigation, DFO (T) Ms Pegyla Venchungpa. She outlined key strategies that included the regular maintenance of forest fire lines, conducting mass awareness campaigns up to the Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) level and strengthening coordination between the Forest and Fire Departments in case of incidents.
Additionally, Joint Director (Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services) Dr Kunzang Palmu presented on avian flu, briefing the house on its modes of transmission and potential risks. She stressed the role of DC and various other line departments, including Health, Forest and Police, in preventing a mass outbreak of the disease. She then urged all departments to maintain vigilance, coordinate effectively and implement preventive measures to safeguard both livestock and public health. Dr. Palmoo also informed that the recent deaths of pigs across the district can be attributed to African swine flu, which is highly pathogenic. She informed the house regarding the provision of compensation to the farmers in case of the death of pigs due to the disease and the process for filing a compensation claim
The forest fire-prone areas identified by the Panchayats were also highlighted in the house, ensuring that all participants were aware of the high-risk zones. The Fire Department further proposed exploring the creation of water reservoirs for firefighting through rainwater harvesting to enhance preparedness.
Present during the meeting were ADC (Dev) Mr Gaayas Pega, SDM (HQ) Mr Prem K Subba, SDM (Soreng) Ms Sakchum Lepcha, SDM (Mangalbaria) Mr DN Sharma, AE Mr Kamal Sharma, BDOs, Fire Service (Soreng) Mr Bishnu Sharma, Assistant Engineers, Junior Engineers (PHE) and Officials of various line departments.
