A delegation of the Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by state president DR Thapa, carried out an on-ground inspection of the Ratey-Chu drinking water source, the main supply system that provides water to Gangtok. The visit highlighted serious concerns over the condition of the pipeline network and the growing drinking water shortage in the state capital. According to the BJP delegation, the inspection revealed several leakage points along the pipeline route, including three to four major breaches. Party leaders claimed that due to these leaks, nearly 40 per cent of the water diverted from the source is being lost before it reaches households. The delegation said such wastage has worsened the water scarcity situation at a time when the region is already facing a natural shortage due to prolonged dry conditions.
Gangtok has reportedly not received significant rainfall since November 2025, leading to a sharp decline in the water level at the Ratey-Chu source. While the absence of rainfall has contributed to the present crisis, the BJP leaders alleged that the condition of the pipeline network shows serious lapses in infrastructure maintenance by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). They said many of the leakage points appear to have existed for a long time and require immediate technical attention. During the inspection, DR Thapa urged the authorities to take urgent steps to repair the damaged sections of the pipeline and deploy modern leak detection equipment to identify hidden faults across the network. He said emergency repair teams should be sent without delay to seal all major breaches so that water losses can be reduced quickly and the available supply can reach residents more efficiently.
The BJP delegation also called on the state government to take long-term measures to address the recurring water shortage in Gangtok. The party suggested exploring alternative pipeline routes and developing additional perennial water sources to strengthen the city’s water supply system. Among the options mentioned were sources such as Bhusuk Khola and other viable streams that could provide more stable year-round supply if properly developed.