NewKerala.com

Key Points

Sikkim is experiencing its worst monsoon shortfall in five years with a 35% rainfall deficit. Five out of six districts have reported deficient rainfall, raising concerns over agriculture and water supply. This marks a stark reversal from the previous four years of normal or excess rainfall. The IMD warns of severe ecological and economic impacts if the trend continues.

Key Points: Sikkim Faces 35% Monsoon Deficit Worst in Five Years

  • Sikkim records 35% monsoon deficit in 2025
  • Five districts report deficient rainfall, Gyalshing worst at -49%
  • Agriculture and water supply under threat
  • Reversal from previous years' normal/excess rainfall trends
2 min read

Sikkim faces worst monsoon shortfall in five years with 35% rainfall deficit

Sikkim battles severe 35% monsoon shortfall, threatening agriculture and water supply as five districts report deficient rainfall.

"This sharp decline has made 2025 the worst monsoon year in half a decade for the Himalayan state. – IMD Gangtok"

Gangtok, July 8

Sikkim is grappling with its most severe monsoon shortfall in five years, registering a 35% deficit in rainfall between June 1 and July 8, 2025, according to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Gangtok.

GN Raha, Director of the Meteorological Centre Gangtok, confirmed that five of the six districts in the Himalayan state have received deficient rainfall, sparking concerns over agriculture, drinking water supply, and environmental stability.

Sikkim is facing an alarming monsoon shortfall, recording a 35% deficit in rainfall between June 1 to July 8, 2025, as per the latest report issued by the Meteorological Centre, Gangtok of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The data reveals that five out of six districts in the state have received deficient rainfall, raising concerns over agriculture, water availability, and the overall ecological balance. Gyalshing recorded the highest deficit at -49%, followed by Gangtok at -37%, Mangan -34%, Pakyong -23%, and Namchi -20%. Soreng, with a -13% departure, was the only district to fall under the "normal" category.

This year marks a dramatic shift in the monsoon pattern when compared to the last four years, all of which witnessed either normal or excess rainfall.

A record reviewed from the IMD Gangtok reveals the following trend: 2024 saw a +68% excess, 2023 had +18%, 2022 recorded +44%, and 2021 saw +15%. This sharp decline has made 2025 the worst monsoon year in half a decade for the Himalayan state.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Climate change is hitting us hard! Last year excess rain, this year drought. We need better water conservation systems in Himalayan states. The government should invest in rainwater harvesting projects urgently.
A
Arjun K
As someone who visited Sikkim last month, I could see the dry conditions firsthand. The Teesta river water level was shockingly low. Tourists should be mindful of water usage when visiting.
K
Kavya N
The data shows such extreme fluctuations year after year (+68% to -35%). Are our weather prediction models failing us? IMD needs to upgrade their forecasting tech to help farmers prepare better.
M
Michael C
Visiting from Canada and shocked to see this news. Sikkim's biodiversity is so unique. Hope the international community can help with sustainable solutions before it's too late.
S
Shreya B
Not just agriculture, but hydropower generation will be affected too! Sikkim supplies electricity to many states. This could have a domino effect on the entire region's power situation.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50