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Shimla Water Crisis Amid Tourist Surge: Why Supply Disruption Hits Peak Season

Shimla is facing a partial water supply disruption this week due to essential power line maintenance. The local water authority is urging residents to use water judiciously to manage the situation. This comes at a challenging time, as the city is experiencing a significant influx of tourists enjoying the clear winter weather. Meanwhile, the region continues to endure a prolonged dry spell with no major snowfall forecast.

Key Points: SJPNL Issues Water Advisory for Shimla Amid Tourist Influx

  • Partial water disruption due to shutdown of 66 kV Jutogh-Gumma transmission line for maintenance
  • Pumping at Gumma and Giri water supply schemes will be affected
  • Work includes tree lopping and conductor replacement to ensure winter power reliability
  • Advisory comes as Shimla sees tourist surge amid a prolonged dry spell
3 min read

Himachal: SJPNL issues partial water supply disruption advisory to people amid tourist surge

SJPNL warns of partial water supply disruption in Shimla on Dec 20-21 due to power line maintenance, urging judicious use amid heavy tourist season.

"SJPNL has appealed to the general public to use water sensibly during this period - Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited"

Shimla, December 18

Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) issued an advisory to residents on Thursday to use water judiciously. This is due to a partial interruption in the water supply on 20-21 December, caused by the shutdown of the 66 kV Jutogh-Gumma-Sainj-Hulli transmission line.

With winter in the city, the shutdown is proposed from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to ensure an uninterrupted, high-quality power supply for consumers throughout the season. Due to the proposed shutdown, pumping activities at LWSS Gumma and LWSS Giri will remain affected during the scheduled period, resulting in a partial disruption to the power supply.

During this period, tree lopping within the transmission line right-of-way will be carried out. In addition, replacement of the R-phase conductor at the 132/66/33 kV Jutogh sub-station, along with maintenance of main transformers and associated electrical equipment, will be undertaken. Maintenance work will also be carried out at all 66 kV substations served by this transmission line to ensure a reliable power supply during the winter months, the advisory stated.

Owing to the disruptions, SJPNL has appealed to the general public to use water sensibly during this period to ensure the essential water requirements of Shimla and the surrounding areas are managed effectively.

SJPNL has assured residents that the interruption will be resolved as soon as possible and that due care is being taken to ensure an uninterrupted and efficient water supply for the people of Shimla. Meanwhile, customer care centres are working diligently to address complaints promptly.

On the other hand, recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has ruled out snowfall in Himachal Pradesh for more than a week. As a result, clear skies, clean air and a pleasant climate are attracting a large number of tourists to the hill state ahead of the Christmas and New Year season. The capital, Shimla, and other tourist destinations are seeing an influx of visitors enjoying the clean, fresh environment. However, the lack of snowfall has left some tourists slightly disappointed, even as they continue to enjoy the overall weather.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing a prolonged dry spell for over 65 days. The IMD has forecast no rain or snowfall across most parts of the state for the next five days. A weak western disturbance is expected to approach around December 20, but it is unlikely to have any major impact. Light precipitation is possible only in the higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.

As the festive season approaches and tourist footfall in the city increases, an efficient water supply will be critical.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that they are doing maintenance before the peak winter. A reliable power supply is crucial. But the advisory to use water judiciously is a bit worrying. Tourists should also be made aware of this situation. 🏔️
A
Aman W
No snowfall for over 65 days is concerning for the ecology and water sources in the long run. The dry spell plus tourist influx is a double whammy for water management. We need better long-term infrastructure planning for hill stations.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Shimla next week. Thanks for the heads-up in the article! Will make sure to conserve water at our hotel. It's responsible tourism. The clear skies sound lovely even without snow.
V
Vikram M
SJPNL is at least giving advance notice this time, which is an improvement. But "partial disruption" often means no water in many areas for hours. Hope the customer care centres are actually responsive.
K
Karthik V
The focus should be on creating alternative water pumping systems or storage to handle such planned shutdowns. Himachal is a tourist hub, and basic amenities shouldn't be so fragile. This affects the state's image too.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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