No water to drink: For days now, Shimla living worst-nightmare
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is reeling under acute drinking water shortage for the last seven days. The famous Mall Road, which is frequented by tourists, during this time of the year, saw serpentine queues of people trying to fetch drinking water. The major water sources have either gone partially or fully dry, due to minimal precipitation during winter.
Residents forced to fetch water from local cremation ground
More than 35 localities are hit by the water shortage. Water isn't available for drinking, bathing and washing purposes. Residents of Sanjauli were forced to get water from a local cremation ground, Indian Express reported. No water is available in local hospitals, schools, girls hostels and government offices. The water crisis has forced few residents to flee Shimla. Hoteliers claimed there have been cancellations.
The locals of Shimla are furious, obviously
"If the government is unable to provide water to the residents, which is a basic need, it must stop promoting Shimla as a tourist destination as the tourist rush only aggravates the problem," a 76-year-old local BD Joshi, told Tribune.
Understanding the reason behind this shortage
The normal availability of 42 MLD (million litres a day) water for Shimla fell to 22 MLD. The inability of changing governments to lift water from big and small rivers passing through the state has added to the problem. The diversion of water for irrigation by upstream villagers made matter worse. Local civic officials claimed 4 MLD of water is wasted due to leaking pipes.
VVIP areas face no shortage of water: Reports
The VVIP areas in Shimla seem to be not affected by the water scarcity. The Bharatiya Janata Party-controlled municipal corporation, reportedly, succeeded in giving posh localities water, every alternate day. There have been allegations that lower-level municipal staff members diverted pipe-lines to hotels. The High Court observed there was no water shortage but poor management led to the same situation year after year.
Hoteliers claim they forewarned authorities about crisis
Tourism Industry and Stakeholders Association claims they told the authorities about an impending water shortage. "We had in April written to the district administration and the MC and suggested that borewells be dug around Shimla and water hydrants be installed at Tattapani to meet the water demand," president MK Sethi was quoted by a daily. Senior CPI(M) leader Sanjay Chauhan called it municipal corporation's inefficiency.
Shimla stands in queues, CM says situation being handled
"I have held two-three review meetings. The situation is being handled. The areas where the supply is not reaching were being fed by tankers. There is no cause of panic as we are alive to the situation," said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
