Himachal Pradesh: Water crisis hits Shimla, people count on traditional water sources

The north Indian hill town of Shimla is facing a water crisis due to the hot weather conditions. The residents are using the traditional water sources to meet the water problem.

The residents in the city are getting water after every three days while in some areas people are receiving water after every five days. There are over 46 traditional water sources (Bowari) that are being used by the residents in the city.

The daily consumption of water in Shimla City is 45 million litres a Day (MLD). The Shimla Municipal Corporation is rationing the water supply in the city.

"We are facing a water crisis, We have regular consumption of 45 million litres a Day (MLD), it is always sufficient with 42 MLD. The number of tourists is increasing here these days. Today we received 31 MLD, in some areas we are supplying water after two days. We have appealed to the residents to use water judiciously. The water source is also getting dry, I want to increase the storage capacity. We shall also try to supply drinking water separately and allow the start of rainwater harvesting. We are working on it," said Sanjay Chouhan, Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation.Suresh, a local resident, told ANI that the residents are dependent upon Baori, a traditional water source, following the water shortage.

"We have a natural source here and we are keeping it clean and people come here for water. I am getting information in some areas where people are not getting water for seven days. So we are dependent on Baori ( traditional water source)," Suresh Kumar, a local resident.

Another resident, Dula Ram, how traditional sources are proving to be conducive during the water crisis.

"Shimla is facing a water crisis these days. People are fetching water from these traditional water sources of Baori. It is very good that we are getting water in this crisis, I am glad people have kept the traditional water source revived," Dula Ram, a resident told ANI.

Meanwhile, amid heatwaves and rising temperatures, several areas in Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Rajasthan are grappling with a water crisis.

In the national capital, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress leaders protested against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government carrying earthen pots