Ramnagar, Shyamnagar reel under water crisis

Raghav Guleria

Dharamsala, July 18

The thickly populated wards of Ramnagar and Shyamnagar are reeling under acute water shortage. The region depends on age-old water source at Bhagsunag, which is too meagre to cater to the needs of the ever-growing population. The distribution route towards Gamru village is also vulnerable, as it falls in the sliding zone.

Former Mayor promises funds

Councillor and former Mayor Devinder Jaggi has assured people of the area that the required funds would be arranged on priority and the water of the four tubewells would soon reach the households of these wards, putting an end to the long-standing crisis.

In summer, the water source dries up, and during the rains, muddy water enters the pipes, forcing people to opt for private tankers. KK Sharma, a resident of Ek Jot Colony at Ramnagar, said: “This summer, I spent a lot of money on water alone, and now, the pipes are getting displaced or blocked, causing inconvenience to residents.”

Talking to The Tribune, Vimal Katoch, Executive Engineer, Jalshakti Department (JSD), said realising the inadequacy of the source, the department had already sunk four tubewells at a cost of Rs 84.11 lakh, provided by the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation. Situated on the left bank of the Manjhi, the perennial water source was sufficient for both wards, but some agency had to provide funds for timely distribution and supply.

He said a proposal for a drinking water scheme worth Rs 11.44 crore had been made by the department specifically for Ramnagar-Shyamnagar wards and had been handed over to the MC.

Sources said if Rs 2.5 crore was provided to the department, water could be lifted, pumped and supplied through the existing distribution network.

It was disappointing that the huge funds that came under Smart City mission could not be utilised for improving the source and distribution of water to the households in these wards, they said.