Himachal on High Alert: Government Gears Up to Avert Looming Water Crisis
With Himachal Pradesh staring at a potential water crisis due to poor winter rainfall and scanty snowfall, the state government has sprung into action. A high-level monitoring panel has been formed to audit water sources and formulate an urgent action plan to prevent a severe drought.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena has tasked Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Jal Shakti, Omkar Sharma, with leading this initiative, ensuring immediate steps are taken before the situation worsens. The panel will assess key water sources, identify inefficiencies, and devise strategies to secure water supplies ahead of the scorching summer months.
Water Shortage Already Impacting Daily Life
The urgency of this move follows a strong appeal from former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Tikendra Singh Panwar, who, in a letter dated February 7, 2025, urged the government to declare Himachal Pradesh drought-affected. Several regions are already struggling, with water supply being limited to once every four to five days. With temperatures set to rise, authorities are racing against time to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Major Water Wastage Under Scanner
One of the panel’s first priorities is tackling massive water losses due to pipeline leakages, which currently waste an estimated 40 to 50 percent of the total supply. Fixing these leaks and reinforcing pipeline infrastructure is now at the top of the agenda.
The government is also cracking down on illegal borewells, which have led to alarming groundwater depletion. Unauthorized groundwater extraction is under strict scrutiny, with authorities aiming to regulate water access fairly. Additionally, the panel will audit reservoirs and explore ways to boost storage capacity.
Himachal’s Growing Climate Crisis
Experts have long warned that climate change is making Himachal Pradesh increasingly vulnerable. Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlight that the Himalayas are among the worst-hit regions by global warming. The state witnessed excessive rainfall in 2023, followed by an alarming drop in precipitation in 2024, and a prolonged dry spell in early 2025. If significant rainfall doesn’t arrive before the July monsoon, experts fear severe drought could cripple agriculture and daily water supplies.
Government Assures Swift Action
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena has reassured residents that every possible measure is being taken to avert a disaster. “This panel will leave no stone unturned in assessing water sources, curbing wastage, and implementing sustainable solutions,” he stated.
With summer fast approaching and water scarcity worsening, this high-level intervention could prove crucial in securing Himachal’s water future. The findings and recommendations of the panel will shape policies for long-term water sustainability, as the state races against time to prevent a crisis.
