Shimla, Nov 20,
A prolonged dry spell in Himachal Pradesh has caused severe water shortages in several remote villages of Sirmaur and Shimla districts. Villagers from Danda Pagar, located in the Paonta Sahib Vidhan Sabha constituency, and Noha Jaggas, near Post Office Dublu in Junga tehsil, expressed their growing frustration over the lack of adequate water supply schemes and government inaction.
Residents of Danda Pagar village are finding it difficult to meet basic needs, including providing water for their cattle. “We have to stand in long queues with empty buckets near community taps. It’s a herculean task to get our turn,” said one villager. The acute shortage has disrupted daily life, forcing villagers to ration water and often leave chores incomplete.
The situation in Noha Jaggas village mirrors this struggle. Interestingly, the village is located just 500 meters above the Giri River, yet no lift water supply scheme has been implemented to alleviate the crisis. “Despite being so close to a perennial river, we are left high and dry. Drinking water is often misused due to poor storage facilities,” lamented a resident.
Villagers blame political leaders for their plight, accusing them of ignoring repeated requests for assistance. “We have informed them several times about our problems, but nothing has changed. Our concerns seem to fall on deaf ears,” said a community elder.
The affected communities urge the government to implement sustainable water supply schemes, including lift irrigation and adequate storage facilities. They also request stricter measures to prevent the misuse of drinking water. Without immediate intervention, these villages face the grim prospect of a worsening crisis.
It is high time for authorities to take notice and ensure access to this basic necessity for the residents of Himachal’s remote regions.
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