Water crisis grips Ram Nagar in Dharamsala
Residents of Ram Nagar in Dharamsala are facing a severe water shortage, with supply available only on alternate days for about two hours. The limited supply is inadequate for daily needs, forcing many to rely on private water tankers.
Dr Harvadhan Singh, a resident, expressed frustration over the situation. “The water shortage is so severe that we are forced to purchase water. Despite multiple complaints to the Jal Shakti Department, there has been no improvement,” he said.
Ashok Kiastha, another resident, voiced similar concerns. “If we are struggling for water in February, the summer months will be even worse. People are constantly checking their tanks to see if water is available. Many senior citizens live in this area, and they are suffering the most due to this crisis,” he added.
The Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department in Dharamsala, Deepak Garg, explained the immediate cause of the disruption. “A PWD JCB damaged our water pipeline while carrying out development work. We have repaired the pipeline on a priority basis, and water supply will soon return to normal,” he assured.
He further stated that the broader issue is a decline in water availability due to reduced rainfall and snowfall this year. “Our water sources depend on local rivers, but with less water discharge, supply has been affected. To address this, we have installed a tubewell to augment supply in Ram Nagar. Once operational, it will significantly improve the situation,” he said.
Sources indicate that most of the Jal Shakti Department’s water schemes rely on natural streams and rivers. However, decreasing water discharge in these sources is disrupting supply across the region. Experts believe that long-term solutions must be implemented to prevent recurring crises.
“The department needs to rethink its water supply strategies. Relying solely on seasonal streams and rivers is no longer viable. Permanent water sources such as large rivers or underground reserves should be tapped to ensure a stable supply,” said an official.
Residents hope for a quick resolution but remain skeptical given the recurring nature of the problem. While the department promises improvements, many believe that without long-term planning, water shortages will continue to plague the region, especially during peak summer months.
