Every time it rains, the roads in Sakyong-Pentong village, North Sikkim, turn into rivers. Children wade through knee-deep water to reach school. Vehicles sink into the mud, forcing villagers to push them out. The problem? A simple lack of drains.
Ren Pemtok Lepcha, the Panchayat President of Lingzya Thulung Sakyong Pentong GPU, has one desperate request: “We are simple Lepcha people. We are not asking for anything big. We want a drain so the water doesn’t stay on the road.”
For years, the village’s repeated pleas have been ignored. What seems like a minor issue has crippled daily life, exposing deeper failures in Sikkim’s rural infrastructure system.
The Human Cost of Waterlogged Roads
Children Missing School, Farmers Losing Income
When the roads flood, parents in Sakyong-Pentong face an impossible choice—send their children through dangerous, slippery paths or keep them home. “Sometimes, we can’t even take them to school,” says a local mother.
Farmers suffer, too. With vehicles unable to pass, crops often rot before reaching markets. One villager explains, “We must take our car to the garage every few months because the water damages the engine.”
Health Risks from Stagnant Water
The standing water isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a health hazard. Mosquitoes breed in the pools, increasing malaria and dengue risks. Contaminated water also seeps into nearby wells, threatening drinking supplies.
“We’ve complained for years, but nothing changes,” says Ren Pemtok. “How long must we wait for something as basic as a drain?”
Broken Promises and Bureaucratic Delays
Small Requests Lost in Big Projects
The Panchayat has approached the government multiple times. Initially, officials acknowledged the problem and promised action. But instead of a quick fix, the drainage project was bundled into a larger infrastructure plan.
“They said our small drain needed a big contractor,” explains Ren Pemtok. “We don’t even know if it will ever get built.”
The “Half-Cultured” Excuse
In a shocking response, officials reportedly told villagers that working on a single village’s drainage was “half-cultured”—meaning it didn’t fit bureaucratic norms. The comment sparked outrage.
“If the government won’t help, who will?” asks a frustrated resident.
A Wider Crisis: Sikkim’s Crumbling Rural Infrastructure
Unpaved Roads and Failed Projects
Sakyong-Pentong’s struggle isn’t unique. Many rural areas in Sikkim face similar neglect. Roads remain unpaved, and drainage systems are either missing or poorly maintained.
Data from the Sikkim Rural Development Department shows that only 62% of rural roads in the state are fully paved, far below the national average.
Urban vs. Rural Divide
While Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital, enjoys well-maintained roads and drainage, villages like Sakyong-Pentong are left behind. Last year, Gangtok launched a “Clean Your Drain, Before the Rain” campaign, yet rural areas received no such attention.
Can Villagers Fix the Problem Themselves?
Community Efforts and Limited Success
With government help delayed, some villagers have tried DIY solutions—digging makeshift drains or pooling money for repairs. But without proper materials, these fixes don’t last.
“We can’t do everything alone,” says Ren Pemtok. “The government must step in.”
Legal and Policy Solutions
Activists argue that existing schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission (which funds rural water infrastructure) should cover drainage. However, bureaucratic hurdles often block small villages from accessing funds.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also criticised Sikkim’s poor waste and water management. In 2023, it ordered the state to improve wetland protection—a ruling that could help villages like Sakyong-Pentong if enforced.
Conclusion: A Drain as a Symbol of Justice
Ren Pemtok’s plea—“Do we have to do everything on our own?”—echoes across Sikkim’s neglected villages. A simple drain represents more than convenience; it’s about dignity, safety, and fairness.
Until the government acts, Sakyong-Pentong’s children will keep missing school, farmers will lose income, and families will fear the next rain.
