Hotel industry feels the pinch of water shortage in Shimla

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 15

Tourism industry, especially hoteliers, have demanded a ban on registration of new homestays, bed and breakfast units and guest houses besides a crackdown on unregistered illegal tourism units in view of the critical water situation in the town.

In a statement issued here today, Mohinder Seth, president of Tourism Industry Stakeholders Association, today said the tourism industry had been adversely affected due to water shortage being faced in the state capital. “Reeling under severe water scarcity, the hotel industry is facing losses as they have to pay extra for water tankers, besides the fear of cancellation,” said Seth.

He said the Shimla Jal Pradhikaran Nigam Ltd (SJPNL) has failed miserably to provide regular water supply. Most areas are getting supply on third or fourth day and that too with a low pressure for a short duration. “Water shortage has become a permanent problem, be it in summers, monsoons or winters, with the SJPNL, citing one or the other reason,” he said.

“The government must impose a complete ban on registration of new B&B and home stays, some of which are operating illegally and have more than one domestic water connection, besides huge storage tanks,” he demanded.

He said there were a number of unregistered houses or villas which were running as guest houses besides holiday homes of various banks and companies in private buildings. He urged the authorities to check the tourist accommodation which is being run illegally.

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