In the wake of the severe water crisis in Shimla, the Shimla High Court has ordered the Municipal Corporation to withdraw any special water supply given to the VIPs such as ministers, MLAs, Judges and Police officers. The Court also clarified that these restrictions would not apply to the Chief Minister and Governor of the state. All construction activities are put on halt for at least a week under the supervision of Municipal Commissioner as reported by India Today.
Himachal Pradesh High Court also ordered construction activities to be stopped and has also banned car washing for a week in core areas of the Shimla.
With 90,000 to one lakh tourists visiting in peak season every year, it is one of the most visited hill stations in India. However, this year the localities are warning tourists via social media to avoid visiting the parched city.
https://www.facebook.com/ShimlaOfficial/photos/a.735647559807117.1073741828.141296819242197/1815790458459483/?type=3&theater
Distraught hotel owners have started issuing refunds to tourists for lack of water availability. Reportedly, the International Shimla Summer Festival has also been rescheduled given the circumstances.
Shimla water crisis
Shimla, the popular tourist destination and the capital of Himachal Pradesh, along with half a dozen districts is undergoing a water crisis for the past week. The deficient rains during the winter season are said to be the cause of this water shortage. Although many big and small rivers flow through the state, the lack of planning at the state and municipal level is clearly visible.
The Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, The Indian Express reported, said, It’s because the feed sources/ rivers/ streams have gone dry. I have held two-three review meetings. The situation is being handled. Tankers are feeding the areas where the supply is not reaching. There is no cause of panic as we are alive to the situation.”
The crisis is intensifying by the minute. The hotel industry has taken a hit, with cancellations rising as high as 50%. However, earlier reports suggested that hotels were getting preferential treatment from the municipal corp at the cost of local residents.
