Shimla, May 28
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Himachal Pradesh Jal Shakti Department to ensure the immediate provision of drinking water to seven villages in the Chopal subdivision. This directive comes after the department reported a significant decline in water discharge from the mainline, which hindered the regular water supply.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Satyan Vaidya issued this order, emphasizing the state’s obligation to guarantee the fundamental right to water as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Bench underscored that ensuring access to drinking water is a basic human right, and the state cannot evade its responsibility by citing a reduction in water supply.
In the status report submitted to the court, the Superintendent Engineer of the Shimla Jal Shakti Department stated that the water supply to the affected villages could not be maintained due to the diminished water discharge in the mainline. However, the court rejected this explanation, insisting that the state must provide alternative solutions, such as delivering water via tankers, to meet the residents’ needs.
The court has mandated the department to comply with this order and to ensure a regular water supply to the villages. Additionally, the court scheduled the next hearing for July 8, by which time the department is expected to submit a status report demonstrating compliance with the court’s directives.
The court also issued notices to the Executive Engineer of Nerva and the Superintendent Engineer of Rohru, directing them to submit detailed reports on the matter. This move aims to ensure accountability and transparency in addressing the water crisis.
The case originated from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the disruption of water supply in the villages of Shila, Badlog, Shapra, Kot, Nohar, Thalog, Gaggna, and Bagana. The residents of these villages have been grappling with severe water shortages for an extended period. They have also raised concerns about the quality and reliability of the Water Supply Scheme, questioning the effectiveness of its implementation.
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