The High Court of Sikkim has broadened its examination of the state’s climate readiness, directing all six district administrations and key government departments to submit detailed assessments of anticipated climate risks, preventive measures, and actions needed to build resilience.
The directive, issued under the suo‑motu proceedings WP(PIL) No. 11 of 2026 titled “In Re: Climatic Justice in the State of Sikkim,” follows the Court’s observation of severe hardship caused by recent flash floods in neighbouring Nepal. The order, recorded on September 17, names the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries of Science and Technology, Forest and Environment, Water Resources and River Development, Mines and Geology, and Land Revenue and Disaster Management, as well as the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and the Power Department’s PCE‑cum‑Secretary. District Collectors of Gangtok, Namchi, Geyzing, Mangan, Pakyong and Soreng are also required to provide reports.
The communication requests comprehensive reports, opinions and suggestions on risks and mitigation across climate science, forests, water, geology, disaster management, power and district administration. The state’s responses will be presented to the Court, which has scheduled orders for October 14.
The Court has also called for community participation, instructed the Registry to circulate proceedings to media, and directed the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority to gather local inputs. Amici curiae Sudhir Mishra, Dr. Doma T. Bhutia and T.R. Barfungpa have been appointed, and respondents now include the SSDMA, the Power Department, the Ministry of Railways and NHIDCL, expanding the administrative scope of the case.
