Gangtok, July 23 -- Sikkim witnessed a significant decline in monsoon rainfall this season, with overall precipitation dropping 29 per cent below the normal average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.

The data, released as of July 23, revealed worrying trends across all districts of the state during what is usually the peak of the monsoon period.

According to the IMD report, Sikkim has received 561.3 mm of rainfall from June 1 to July 23, which is 29 per cent below the normal average of 793.1 mm for the same period. This deficit is reflected across all districts of the state, raising alarm among farmers and water resource managers.

Speaking to the ANI, GN Raha, Director of IMD Gangtok, expressed concern over t...