Shimla, Feb 24 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh facing an imminent drought-like situation due to deficient winter rain and snowfall, the state government has taken proactive measures to mitigate the water crisis.
The Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, Prabodh Saxena, has directed Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Jal Shakti Omkar Sharma to form a high-level monitoring committee to audit water sources and prepare an emergency plan to tackle water shortages in the coming summer months.
The decision was made in response to a letter sent by former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Tikendra Singh Panwar, on February 7, 2025, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Panwar urged the government to declare Himachal Pradesh drought-affected and take immediate measures to address the crisis. Acknowledging his concerns, the Chief Secretary promptly acted upon the request, ensuring that a comprehensive strategy is put in place to manage the state’s dwindling water resources.
The newly formed high-level monitoring committee will conduct an extensive study of all water sources across the state and prepare an action plan for proper water distribution. One of its key objectives is to prevent water leakage, which has been identified as a major cause of water wastage.
According to reports, nearly 40 to 50 percent of water is lost due to leaks in supply pipelines. The committee will focus on detecting and repairing these leakages to conserve as much water as possible.
Additionally, the committee will assess the condition of existing reservoirs and take necessary steps to enhance their storage capacity.
The state government has also directed authorities to collect details of illegal borewells, which are further depleting groundwater levels. Many residents have resorted to indiscriminate borewell digging, exacerbating the water crisis. Strict action will be taken against unauthorised borewells to ensure fair distribution of water among all citizens.
The urgency of the situation is evident, as several regions in Himachal Pradesh are already experiencing water shortages, with some areas receiving water supply only once in four to five days.
With summer approaching and the likelihood of further depletion of water resources, the government’s timely intervention aims to prevent the crisis from worsening.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has previously warned that India’s Himalayan and coastal regions are highly vulnerable to climate change. The retreating snowline and reduced snowfall have significantly impacted water availability in mountainous areas.
Himachal Pradesh witnessed heavy rainfall in 2023, followed by below-average precipitation in 2024 and minimal rainfall toward the end of the year. If no substantial rainfall occurs before the monsoon season in July, the state may experience a full-scale drought, severely affecting both agriculture and drinking water supply.
Recognising these risks, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena emphasised the need for immediate and long-term solutions. He stated that the government is committed to ensuring adequate water supply to all residents and that the newly formed high-level monitoring committee will work efficiently to develop an action plan.
With climate change intensifying the challenges of water conservation, the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to audit water sources and curb wastage is a crucial step toward safeguarding the state’s water security.
The committee’s findings and recommendations will play a pivotal role in shaping policies to address water scarcity and build resilience against future crises.
