Shimla’s water supply dips for first time in over a year

SHIMLA: The city’s water supply took a substantial dip on June 1, as the Guma and Giri water works tripped due to overpumping, dropping from the regular 52 MLD to 41 MLD. The Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam (SJPNL) have alleged that the power outage was the reason for the water shutout, which lasted for 3-4 hours.

The residents of Kangnadhar, Vikasnagar, New Shimla, Boileauganj, Bhatta Kufar, Mehli, Kelti, Kusumpti and other areas on the peripheries are still not getting water even after the restoration of the supply as the city prioritises its bustling tourism sector during this time. Shimla is getting more than 50,000 tourists everyday which has elevated the water demand of the city to 55 MLD.

Dharmendra Gill, Chief Executive Officer, SJPN, said, “Today, we have restored the water supply from the Giri and Guma water works which were hit by power system snag. The water supply will improve and go up to 52 MLD. It was a temporary problem and supply will be regularised in water-deficient areas from tomorrow.” A similar situation occurred last year when the supply dropped down to 28 MLD. Post that incident, the governing authorities had ensured that water supply won’t serve as a hindrance to the city’s bustling tourism.