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Key Points

Sikkim is grappling with a severe 29% monsoon rainfall deficit this season, according to IMD data. Gangtok district is the worst affected with 35% less rain than normal, crippling farming activities. IMD officials warn even late rains won't compensate for the damage already done to crops. The crisis threatens both agricultural output and drinking water supplies across the Himalayan state.

Key Points: Sikkim Faces 29% Monsoon Rain Deficit as IMD Warns of Crisis

  • Sikkim records 561.3 mm rain vs 793.1 mm normal
  • Gangtok faces worst deficit at 35% below average
  • Farmers struggle as paddy fields dry up
  • Mangan sees 28% shortfall despite recent heavy showers
2 min read

Sikkim records 29 per cent rainfall deficit this monsoon: IMD

IMD reports Sikkim's rainfall 29% below normal, threatening agriculture and water supply with Gangtok worst hit at 35% deficit.

"This is a crucial period for agricultural activities... water sources are depleting – GN Raha, IMD Gangtok Director"

Gangtok, July 23

Sikkim witnessed a significant decline in monsoon rainfall this season, with overall precipitation dropping 29 per cent below the normal average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.

The data, released as of July 23, revealed worrying trends across all districts of the state during what is usually the peak of the monsoon period.

According to the IMD report, Sikkim has received 561.3 mm of rainfall from June 1 to July 23, which is 29 per cent below the normal average of 793.1 mm for the same period. This deficit is reflected across all districts of the state, raising alarm among farmers and water resource managers.

Speaking to the ANI, GN Raha, Director of IMD Gangtok, expressed concern over the rainfall deficiency, saying, "This is a crucial period for agricultural activities in Sikkim. Due to the prolonged shortage of rainfall, many paddy fields have dried up, and water sources are depleting. Even if it rains in the coming days, it will not be sufficient to meet the season's requirements."

Among the districts, Gangtok recorded the highest shortfall, receiving 691.6 mm of rainfall--35 per cent less than the normal 1056.9 mm. Pakyong reported 590.5 mm, a 22 per cent shortfall, while Mangan, despite witnessing the highest 24-hour rainfall of 21.1 mm, still fell 28 per cent short of its seasonal normal.

The other districts have shown the following deviations: • Gyalshing: 453.5 mm received vs. 814.5 mm normal (-44 per cent) • Soreng: 639.5 mm vs. 814.5 mm (-21 per cent) • Namchi: 721.8 mm vs. 783.4 mm (-8 per cent).

In the past 24 hours, Mangan received the highest rainfall at 21.1 mm, which is 46 per cent above the daily normal. The state as a whole recorded 15.8 mm, just 6 per cent above the average for the day.

The situation poses a growing challenge to the state's agricultural productivity and water availability, both for irrigation and drinking purposes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why isn't there more focus on water conservation in hilly states? We keep seeing these deficit reports every year but no concrete action. Rainwater harvesting should be made mandatory in all new constructions!
R
Rohit P
Visited Gangtok last month and locals were saying the springs are drying up. Tourism industry will suffer too if this continues. Beautiful place but water crisis is real 💧
S
Sarah B
As someone working in climate research, these numbers are alarming but not surprising. The entire Himalayan region is experiencing changing rainfall patterns. Need long-term adaptation strategies, not just short-term relief.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions Mangan got good rain recently but still has deficit. Shows how much we need consistent rainfall, not just occasional heavy showers. Our traditional farming methods need to adapt to these new patterns.
K
Kavya N
Respectfully disagree with some comments blaming only climate change. Deforestation in Sikkim has increased in recent years. We need to look at local environmental factors too. Plant more native trees!
D
David E
This affects more than just Sikkim - reduced water flow in Teesta river impacts West Bengal and Bangladesh too. Transboundary water management is crucial in these changing climate scenarios.

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

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