Water shortage hits Shimla as silt chokes supply sources

Tribune News Service

Shimla, Updated At : 02:33 AM Aug 07, 2025 IST

Photo for representational purpose only. - iStock File photo

Shimla’s water supply has been severely disrupted due to extreme turbidity levels caused by heavy rainfall and the resulting silt accumulation in major water sources.

According to Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL), turbidity in Gumma, one of the main water supply sources, has reached over 7,800 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), rendering the water unfit for human consumption. Giri, another crucial source, recorded turbidity levels above 3,000 NTU. The normal safe limit for drinking water is below 5 NTU.

Due to this, large volumes of soil and silt entered key pumping stations, disrupting water supply operations. Workers have been deployed to clean the facilities, but officials said pumping has been significantly affected.

By Wednesday evening, only 4 million liters per day (MLD) of water could be pumped, against the town’s usual requirement of 45–48 MLD. This sharp decline has led to a drinking water shortage in many areas of the city, with the situation expected to persist for the next few days.

The SJPNL has urged residents to boil drinking water for at least 10 minutes as a precaution, highlighting increased health risks during the monsoon season. “Turbidity may not directly harm health, but it weakens disinfection and promotes microbial growth,” a spokesperson warned, adding that waterborne diseases like jaundice, cholera, and gastrointestinal infections are more prevalent during this period.

Shimla sources its water from six primary points: Gumma, Giri, Charith, Churot, Koti Brandi, and Seog. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and work towards restoring normal supply levels.

Water shortage hits Shimla as silt chokes supply sources

Tribune News Service

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