According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Gangtok, Sikkim is currently facing its worst monsoon deficit in five years, with an astounding 35% rainfall deficit recorded between June 1 and July 8, 2025. Five of the six districts in the Himalayan state have reported inadequate rainfall, according to GN Raha, Director of the Meteorological Centre Gangtok. Concerns about drinking water availability, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability in general have been raised by the startling reduction.
Gyalshing district has been the most severely impacted, according to data supplied by the IMD, with a 49% rainfall shortfall. With a 37% shortage, Gangtok comes next, followed by Mangan (34%), Pakyong (23%), and Namchi (20%). The only district that reported rainfall that was within the “normal” range was Soreng, which deviated from the average by 13%. Compared to the preceding four years, when Sikkim continuously recorded either average or excess rainfall, this notable difference represents a stark reversal.
The IMD’s historical data shows that in 2024, there was a 68% excess of rainfall, compared to 18%, 44%, and 15% surpluses in 2023, 2022, and 2021. Experts caution that the state’s delicate alpine habitat, water supplies, and agriculture might all be negatively impacted by the continuous rainfall shortfall. Urgent action is needed to lessen the socio-environmental effects of this year’s inadequate monsoon, as rainfall levels have fallen to their lowest levels in six years.
