Gangtok: Sikkim is currently in the grip of its most severe monsoon deficit in half a decade, with rainfall plummeting by a staggering 35% between June 1 and July 8, 2025. This alarming data, released by the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Gangtok, paints a concerning picture for the Himalayan state.
GN Raha, Director of the Meteorological Centre Gangtok, confirmed that five of the state’s six districts have reported deficient rainfall, sparking serious worries about agricultural output, the availability of drinking water, and the overall environmental balance. Gyalshing district has borne the brunt of this shortfall, recording a 49% deficit, followed by Gangtok with 37%, Mangan at 34%, Pakyong at 23%, and Namchi at 20%. Only Soreng district managed to stay within the “normal” range, showing a mere 13% departure from the average.
This significant deviation marks a sharp turnaround from the past four years, a period during which Sikkim consistently experienced either normal or even excess rainfall. IMD’s historical data highlights this stark contrast: 2024 saw a substantial 68% excess in rainfall, while 2023, 2022, and 2021 recorded surpluses of 18%, 44%, and 15% respectively.
Experts are sounding the alarm, warning that the ongoing rainfall deficit could severely impact the state’s crucial agricultural sector, strain water resources, and jeopardise its delicate mountain ecosystem. With rainfall levels hitting their lowest in five years, there is an urgent call for concerted efforts to mitigate the potential socio-environmental consequences of this year’s weakened monsoon.
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