Shimla administration in water rationing mode

Shimla administration in water rationing mode

Water distributed under police protection in Shimla

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Over 70 police personnel have been deployed to specially deal with the situation in the water-deprived hill-station

Following an acute drinking water shortage, theMunicipal Corporationhere is distributing water under police protection.

Over 70 police personnel have been deployed to specially deal with the situation in the water-deprived hill-station.

Meanwhile, a mineral water wholesale trader,Jasvir Singhtold ANI that the demand for bottled water has increased by 50 to 60 per cent due to water scarcity inShimla.

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"Usually I supply 400 packs of water bottles but now the demand has increased to 700 plus for retailers," he said.

The tourism industry inHimachal Pradesh'sShimlahas also been massively hit as tourists are cancelling their visits to the hill-station.

The local hoteliers and others related to the tourism industry are worried as social media is flooded with news about the water crisis, preventing the inflow of tourists into the state.

Yesterday,Himachal PradeshHigh Court directed theShimlaMunicipal Corporationnot to distribute water through tankers.

The court has also directed the state government and theShimlaMunicipal Corporation to not allow any water supply for building construction and car washing.

The court has taken a suo moto cognizance in the matter due to extreme water scarcity in the town and has given order taking thePublic Interest Litigation(PIL) which is pending with the high court for past two years.

TheShimlaadministration has also postponed a major tourist attraction, InternationalShimlaSummer Festival, scheduled from June 1 to 5 due to the scarcity of water in the town.