A severe heatwave sweeping across Solan district has triggered a sharp decline in natural water sources, affecting drinking water supply in several rural areas and leaving thousands of residents grappling with shortages.
Over the past week, temperatures in Solan have risen abnormally by about 4.5°Celsius, with the mercury touching 35°C against the usual 30-31°C recorded during this period in previous years. The prolonged dry spell and soaring temperatures have significantly reduced water discharge from natural sources that feed rural water supply schemes.
According to the Jal Shakti Department (JSD), 25 water supply schemes under the Dharampur division, covering Kasauli, Parwanoo and adjoining areas, have witnessed a substantial fall in water levels ranging between 25 and 75 per cent. Of these, six schemes have been severely affected with water discharge declining by more than 75 per cent. Another six schemes have reported a reduction between 25 and 50 per cent, while the remaining 13 schemes have recorded a decline of up to 25 per cent.
The shrinking water sources have intensified difficulties for rural residents who depend largely on these schemes for their daily needs. Confirming the situation, JSD Superintending Engineer Sanjiv Soni said 77 rural habitations with a combined population of 15,781 were currently facing water scarcity. Urban areas, however, have not reported any shortage so far.
Despite the growing crisis, the district administration is yet to deploy water tankers to the affected villages. Residents in several areas have been forced to arrange water on their own, either by purchasing it or relying on natural springs and traditional sources.
The situation is particularly grim in Gandhol village of Kanda panchayat in Kasauli, where residents at the tail end of a half-inch water pipeline continue to struggle for adequate supply. Villagers allege that they have remained dependent on natural sources for years as the department has failed to ensure a reliable piped water connection.
Locals attribute the recurring shortages to the prolonged delay in commissioning the Rs 102-crore Giri water supply scheme, conceived to provide relief to 179 habitations in the Kasauli Assembly segment. Though the project was scheduled for completion in June 2023 and later revised to March 2024, it remains unfinished.
Officials cite multiple hurdles, including delays in setting up an electricity substation by the HP State Electricity Board Limited, difficulties in acquiring alternate land at Anech and Sihardi, and funding-related issues, as key reasons for the project’s delayed completion.
