Simla Reels Under Severe Water Crisis, Worried PMO Seeks Report

Shimla: With the internationally famed tourist destination of Shimla is struggling with a severe water crisis, the district administration has come out with the schedule for water supply to the residents. But the crisis seems to have brought together different political parties in complaining about inadequate steps being taken by the administration.

Though the Chief Minister has directed the authorities to ensure water supply as per schedule, residents complained that the directions were not being implemented in right earnest.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Wednesday seeking a report on Shimla’s worst-ever water crisis, two borewells are being dug on the riverbeds of Giri and Guma rivulets to tide over the crisis that has brought bad publicity to the BJP government in the state. 

As Lok Sabha elections are round the corner, a worried PMO has sought  a report from the Himachal Government on steps being taken to resolve the problem. 

The residents of areas scheduled to get water today were up in arms against the civic body and the BJP councillor from Benmore, Kimi Sood, along with the former Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Narender Kataria, and residents of the ward protesting in front of the Chief Minister’s residence today.

Councillor from lower Bazaar Inderjeet Sungh also threatened to launch an agitation.

Ironically, the Mayor is presently on tour to China and has come under attack from all quarters and even the BJP councillors have raised questions on the timing of her visit.  Four persons were detained last night after a fracas over water distribution in Kaithu. The residents complained that they had not received water last evening as per schedule and entered into an argument with the policemen who had rushed to the spot.

The tourist destination has been impacted by the water crisis as the hotel bookings have dropped by as much as 50 per cent. The water crisis has become so alarming that reports over supply by water tankers are pouring in from various areas. The administration has even deployed policemen to guard the tankers. The angry residents have been blocking several highways, including the Shimla-Kalka highway to register their protest.