Solan runs dry amid rainfall deficit

A severe shortfall in winter rainfall has begun to severely impact water supply in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district, with 85 water supply schemes now facing a reduction in water quantity ranging from 25% to over 75%.

Solan district, comprising five divisions-Solan, Dharampur, Baddi, Nalagarh and Arki-is served by 716 water supply schemes. Of these, 46 schemes have reported a minor shortfall of up to 25%, while 19 are facing a 25-50% dip. A more serious drop of 50-75% has hit 15 schemes, and five schemes have reported a critical shortfall of over 75% as of April 26. The situation is worsening with the ongoing rise in temperature.

Baddi division is the worst affected, with 14 water schemes stressed. It is followed by Nalagarh (11 schemes), Solan (9), Dharampur (7), and Arki (5). The crisis is more pronounced in rural areas, where 343 habitations with a population of 65,086 are facing acute water shortages.

In response, the Jal Shakti Department (JSD) has initiated several emergency measures. These include deploying 23 water tankers across the district and energising 39 old handpumps. Additionally, 35 new handpumps have been installed in areas where groundwater tapping is feasible. Meanwhile, 24 water connections stand disconnected for misusing drinking water.

“The JSD had anticipated a shortfall due to the 33.1% deficit in winter rainfall from November to February," said Sanjeev Soni, Superintending Engineer, JSD, Solan. Officials are actively warning residents to avoid water wastage. Use of potable water for non-essential purposes such as gardening, washing vehicles, or construction has been strictly banned. The use of mechanised pumps to draw water from the pipelines will result in disconnection of supply.

The department is also grappling with a rising demand from tourist destinations like Kasauli, where nearly 150 hotels and tourism units rely on private water tankers due to dwindling supplies. The delay in completing the Rs 103-crore Kasauli water supply scheme has further worsened the situation, forcing residents and businesses to buy water as supply has dropped to once a week or even less frequently.

While private enterprises have managed to secure their own water sources, government efforts to augment and commission long-pending water supply schemes have lagged. With the second consecutive year of poor rainfall, officials and residents alike are bracing for a tough summer ahead.

33% winter rain deficit

• Solan district faces major water shortage due to 33.1% winter rainfall deficit

• As many as 85 out of 716 water schemes report 25-75% supply reduction

• Worst-hit divisions: Baddi (14 schemes), Nalagarh (11), Solan (9), Dharampur (7), Arki (5)

• The Jal Shakti Dept deploys 23 tankers, energises 39 old handpumps and installs 35 new

• Water use for gardening, vehicle washing, and construction strictly banned

• Kasauli hotels rely on private tankers; Rs 103-crore supply scheme remains delayed