ABSTRACT
In the recent past, the growth of urbanisation has been very rapid in the Himalayan state of Sikkim. However, the growth pattern seems to be imbalanced, concentrated mainly in the East Sikkim district of the state. Unplanned urbanisation leads to environmental degradation, especially water and sanitation. This study tries to assess urbanisation trends and their impacts on river water quality in East Sikkim district, and analyses the complex interplay between urbanisation and domestic water resources. Using water quality index (WQI), the chapter explores that the river water quality in Sikkim, especially in and around Gangtok city, which has deteriorated in the last few years. Nevertheless, the Gangtokian (people of Gangtok) and the people living the urban centers in East Sikkim district still manage to get sufficient safe drinking water, despite its rapid growth of population.
