Shimla is the go-to Himalayan hill station for everyone who takes a break from the summer heat. Having been popular with holiday-goers right from the Colonial times, the city has paid its price in multiple ways. One of the gravest issues has been the water shortage which has been ailing the city for nearly a decade. The issue has turned acute this year in the capital of Himachal Pradesh because of low snowfall in the winters earlier this year. The rainfall is also reported to be 80 per cent deficient than the usual.
With most hotels unable to provide round the clock running water, some have resorted to cancellations. The normal life of local residents have also come to a standstill as the Mall Road—which is usually thronged by tourists—has become the spot for water distribution from tankers. Youngsters from the city have taken to social media to ask tourists not to visit until the winter arrives with a sufficient snowfall. Some of the posts even warn people that desperate restaurants and dhabas are using unclean water for cooking. Take heed of these stories and let’s keep away from the city and give it a chance to replenish its resources.