Himachal water crisis: Severe water shortage in Shimla; residents getting supply once every three to five days

Shimla water crisis (Report by PARAKRAM CHAND): Intense heatwave sweeping across Himachal Pradesh has led to a significant drop in water levels in various sources. As a result, the entire state is grappling with water scarcity. The situation in Shimla, the state capital, has become particularly dire, with water being supplied only once every four to five days, causing considerable panic among the residents. In the suburban areas of the city, people have been waiting for water for five days. The Water Management Corporation claims that water supply will resume in two days, but the reality seems different.

Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan has also admitted water shortage in Shimla city. He said residents were receiving water every third or fourth day due to the severe heatwave, which had caused water levels in the city's water projects to plummet. He said by next year, water from the Sutlej would be available in Shimla, which should alleviate the water shortage to a large extent. Besides, potable water was currently being used in public toilets, and the corporation planned to lay separate pipelines for this purpose.

He said water was also being supplied via tankers in Shimla. "There is hope that the arrival of rain will bring relief from the water crisis, but no significant change in the weather is expected this week," he added.

"Today, only 31.54 million litre (mls) of water has reached Shimla from various projects. On regular days, Shimla receives up to 43 mls of water daily, which allows for an hour of water supply each day. However, Shimla's actual requirement is 50 mls. The corporation, which boasts of providing 24x7 water supply, is now struggling to supply water even once a week," said sources.