Locals of Shimla are asking tourists not to visit the hill town, as the Himachal Pradesh capital continues to be in the throes of a severe water crisis. Taps have been running dry for over a week now, and it has become difficult for even locals to find drinking water.
The water shortage is being attributed to a dry winter and a prolonged dry spell in the region. According to Hindustan Times, Shimla has no direct source of water and more than half of the town’s water is lifted from Gumma, an area that draws water from the Shimla catchment sanctuary.
The severe shortage of water, forcing the residents to stand in long queues for hours, has left locals helpless and angry.
The water requirement of Shimla is around 45 million litres a day (MLD) in peak tourist season. However, only around 23 MLD is available. This is reportedly the worst water crisis in Shimla’s recent history.
Don’t Come to Shimla, Please
In light of the severe water supply shortage, locals have begun asking tourists to avoid the town this season. Some have also suggested that tourists, if any, carry their own water so as to not cause further shortage.
Business Hit
Many hotels have been badly hit by the crisis, with cancellations pouring in after news of the water shortage became widespread. Even with hoteliers engaging private water suppliers, resources are not sufficient, The Indian Express reported.
Locals and other concerned individuals have taken to social media to vent their anger at the situation and the lack of engagement and support from the authorities concerned.
Locals were apparently told that water services would be restored by Sunday, 27 May, but nothing has happened yet.
(With inputs from PTI, Hindustan Times and The Indian Express)
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