Scanty rains and snowfall, coupled with rising temperatures, are causing water resources to dry up in Himachal Pradesh, affecting drinking water supply schemes in the state, according to officials. To tackle the crisis, the state’s water department is trying to revive hand pumps that have dried up besides arranging water from alternate sources.
However, officials admit that despite these measures, they are unable to ensure a daily supply of water in many of the affected areas.
According to officials, the situation will ease only if rains occur, as that would result in a decrease in demand for irrigation, thereby making more water available for drinking water supply.