Press Release
Press Release from Rural Development Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Soreng District Panchayat Leaders Honoured at Jal Mahotsav in New Delhi
New Delhi, March 11, 2026 — Representatives from Soreng district, Sikkim, were honoured at the Jal Mahotsav held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
The event was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of India, along with Shri C. R. Paatil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti & Railways, and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, who addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of community participation, sustainability, and innovation in achieving water security across rural India.
During the event, Panchayat leaders from Soreng district were recognised for their exemplary performance in strengthening rural drinking water systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to ensure functional household tap connections and sustainable drinking water supply in rural areas.
Smt. Sheela Subba, Panchayat President of Rumbuk Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) under Soreng district, received a prestigious award for establishing a successful revenue model for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of village water supply systems. Her initiative has demonstrated how community-led financial sustainability can ensure long-term functionality and reliability of rural drinking water infrastructure.
Smt. Puspa Century, Panchayat President of Upper Thambong Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU), was awarded in the category of “Successful 24x7 Rural Water Supply.” Her efforts have ensured continuous and reliable drinking water access to households in the area, setting a benchmark for other rural local bodies.
Shri Harsha Kumar Chettri, Panchayat President of Dodak Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU), also attended the event and represented Soreng district at the national platform, showcasing the district’s continued progress in strengthening rural water supply systems.
The Sikkim delegation attending the event included Shri Anil Raj Rai, IAS, Secretary, Rural Development Department; Shri Sukbir Subba, Principal Chief Engineer; Shri Deepak Singh, Chief Engineer (Planning); Smt. Neelam Rai, Chief Engineer (S/W), and Shri Ravi Sharma, Assistant Director (IT).
The achievements of Soreng district leaders reflect the growing success of grassroots governance and community participation in ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water for all. The recognition at the national platform further strengthens the commitment of the Government of Sikkim towards efficient water management and sustainable rural development.
New Delhi, March 11, 2026 — Representatives from Soreng district, Sikkim, were honoured at the Jal Mahotsav held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
The event was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of India, along with Shri C. R. Paatil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti & Railways, and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, who addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of community participation, sustainability, and innovation in achieving water security across rural India.
During the event, Panchayat leaders from Soreng district were recognised for their exemplary performance in strengthening rural drinking water systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to ensure functional household tap connections and sustainable drinking water supply in rural areas.
Smt. Sheela Subba, Panchayat President of Rumbuk Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) under Soreng district, received a prestigious award for establishing a successful revenue model for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of village water supply systems. Her initiative has demonstrated how community-led financial sustainability can ensure long-term functionality and reliability of rural drinking water infrastructure.
Smt. Puspa Century, Panchayat President of Upper Thambong Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU), was awarded in the category of “Successful 24x7 Rural Water Supply.” Her efforts have ensured continuous and reliable drinking water access to households in the area, setting a benchmark for other rural local bodies.
Shri Harsha Kumar Chettri, Panchayat President of Dodak Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU), also attended the event and represented Soreng district at the national platform, showcasing the district’s continued progress in strengthening rural water supply systems.
The Sikkim delegation attending the event included Shri Anil Raj Rai, IAS, Secretary, Rural Development Department; Shri Sukbir Subba, Principal Chief Engineer; Shri Deepak Singh, Chief Engineer (Planning); Smt. Neelam Rai, Chief Engineer (S/W), and Shri Ravi Sharma, Assistant Director (IT).
The achievements of Soreng district leaders reflect the growing success of grassroots governance and community participation in ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water for all. The recognition at the national platform further strengthens the commitment of the Government of Sikkim towards efficient water management and sustainable rural development.
