HC asks for proposal on equitable water distribution in Shimla

Shimla, June 14

The High Court today directed Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) to submit a comprehensive proposal before June 22 on how it would ensure equitable distribution of water in the city.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation on water scarcity and its equitable distribution, the Division Bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya listed the matter for June 22.

The Bench showed its displeasure with the working of the SJPNL even as its General Manager RK Verma tried to explain the reasons behind the water crisis in the city. Not impressed, the court asked the SJPNL to prepare a comprehensive proposal on how it will ensure equitable distribution of water in the city.

For the record, Shimla has been reeling under shortage of water after SJPNL rescheduled the water supply to third day following the shortage of water at its sources. In some pockets of the city, residents have been complaining that that they are getting supply on the fourth day or even later than that.

With the court taking note of water crisis, the SJNPL has asked the electricity department to ensure uninterrupted supply of power for steady pumping.

“Besides, we are looking to augment water source for Gumma scheme. Many farmers use water from the river for kuhl irrigation. We will try and divert that water to augment our source, and compensate the farmers for that,” said Verma.