Unexpected snow, rain fill depleting water sources in Himachal

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 24

The untimely and unexpected snowfall has caused massive damage to farmers and fruit growers. However, the record rain and snow in April have charged up water sources and have driven away the shortage of water supply in the city. “We will be comfortable with the water supply for at least a month. Our water sources have recharged by around 75 per cent,” said Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) AGM Rajesh Kashyap.

Earlier, the authorities were apprehending that Shimla could face water shortage this time due to scarce rain and snow in winters. The SJPNL had even prepared an action plan to deal with the impending drought-like situation and resultant water shortage. “The rain and snow was totally unexpected. The snowfall, in particular, has recharged the ground water. Rains, on the other, hand have reduced the irrigation demand on the sources,” said Kashyap. Also, the reduced footfall of tourists due to Covid has also reduced the demand.