Gangtok Implements Strict Daily Water Supply Amid Severe Shortage
In response to an acute water shortage caused by inadequate winter rainfall, authorities in Gangtok have announced that water supply in serviced zones of the state capital will be restricted to only once per day. This critical measure was confirmed by a senior official on Wednesday as the city grapples with dwindling natural resources.
Regulated Supply Mechanism Under Trial
Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) engineers are currently conducting a trial run to regulate water distribution across different areas of Gangtok. According to PHED Secretary Sailendra Sharma, the system will be fully operationalized once the mechanism is finalized. "We will supply water in the service zones in Gangtok and only once during the day due to acute scarcity of the natural resource," Sharma stated during a press briefing.
Prioritizing Domestic Use Over Commercial Activities
Emphasizing that drinking water is fundamental to life, Sharma highlighted that domestic usage must take precedence during this crisis. He urged commercial establishments to marginally reduce their activities to help conserve water. The ongoing scarcity, resulting from months of insufficient rainfall drying up natural sources, makes it imperative to curtail wastage, as continued dry conditions could lead to even more severe shortages in the coming months.
Public Advisory and Conservation Measures
In light of the prevailing situation, all households are requested to adopt measures to avoid water wastage. Authorities specifically recommend installing float valves to ensure equitable flow to houses with lower pressure, especially if tanks overflow due to higher differential pressure. Sharma issued a stern warning: Any detected wastage may invite strict action.
"Together, through responsible use and collective effort, we can safeguard this most vital resource and ensure equitable access for every household," the PHED official asserted, calling for community cooperation.
Background of the Water Crisis
Gangtok has been confronting a water crisis for some time, driven by an unprecedented lack of sufficient rainfall since November of last year. This prolonged dry spell has severely impacted the city's water sources, exacerbating the current shortage.
Long-Term Solution in Progress
Under the directives of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, a project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to bring water from alternate sources is already in an advanced stage of completion. This initiative aims to provide a more sustainable water supply solution for Gangtok in the future.
As the city navigates this challenging period, residents and businesses alike are encouraged to adhere to conservation guidelines to mitigate the impact of the water shortage.
