Reckless distribution of NOCs causing water scarcity: Kisan Sabha meets Chief engineer

Shimla, June 8
Claiming to be facing water scarcity due to reckless distribution of NOCs, a delegation of four panchayats in the Kasumpti area met the Chief Engineer of Jal Shakti Department (IPH)) Anju Sharma, today. Headed by Himachal Kisan Sabha, Chief Kuldeep Tanwar, the delegation stated that the State government(s) is opening big resorts and hotels in rural parts of Shimla in the wake of promoting tourism. However, none of these make their proper water arrangements. Therefore most hotel owners manage the Panchayat NOCs. Whereas the water source in villages is already limited, and another big (Industrial) consumer could harm the balance. He said that the reckless distribution of NOCs is forcing villages to face water scarcity.
The Chief Engineer acknowledged that in Naldehra Panchayat, a case of water selling water from a source to some private hotel had come to her knowledge. She reasoned that farmers are facing water shortages due to it.
Dr Tanwar said that it is a matter of great sadness that there is no factual information at the level of the department about the Himachal Pradesh Ground Water Act-2005. The department held a detailed meeting with the delegation on the subject, and they assured to resolve most of the issues within fifteen days.
In the delegation, Vice President of Kisan Sabha Regional Committee Madan Bhardwaj, Treasurer Suresh Pundir, Executive Member Naveen Sharma along with Pradhan Sushma, BDC member, Vice President Vikas Sharma, former President Gyan Kashyap, Ward Member Devendra, Devi Singh Thakur, Ramesh Thakur etc.