Tourist town, empty taps!

Even though monsoon rains have subsided in Kangra district, large parts of Dharamsala continue to reel under an acute shortage of drinking water. The Jal Shakti Department is still rationing supply and officials admit it could take three to four weeks before normal distribution is restored across Dharamsala and the adjoining McLeodganj area.

The disruption stems from massive damage to a 3-km stretch of the main pipeline of the Gajj Khud water supply scheme, crippled by landslides during the heavy July rains. Considered the backbone of Dharamsala’s water network, the scheme has remained out of service since then.

Chief Engineer Deepak Garg confirmed that restoration is underway but warned of delays. “Our teams are on the ground. The terrain is challenging, but we are targeting a couple of weeks for full restoration,” he said.

In its absence, supply is being managed through the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes. However, both are inadequate to meet peak demand, particularly with tourist inflow. Several neighbourhoods, including Kala Pul, Ramnagar, Sham Nagar and Kotwali Bazaar, are experiencing acute shortages, forcing residents to depend on borewells.

The crisis has also highlighted the fragile state of the region’s water infrastructure. Civic groups accuse the government of moving too slowly on critical repairs, urging that the Gajj Khud restoration be treated as an emergency project. Social worker Atul Bhardwaj questioned the preparedness of the administration. “Tourism is the backbone of Dharamsala’s economy, yet visitors and locals alike are struggling for drinking water. The government’s response has been casual,” he alleged.

Once operational, the Gajj Khud scheme is expected to provide immediate relief to hundreds of households and ease pressure on the other two projects. Until then, rationing and hardship seem set to continue for residents and tourists alike.