(Image source from: The Hindu)

Following unexampled water crisis in Shimla, the Municipal Corporation is dispensing water under police protection deploying 70 police personnel to deal with the condition in the water deprived hill station.

A mineral water wholesale trader, Jasvir Singh told that the supply of bottled water has accrued by 50 to 60 percent due to water inadequacy in Shimla.

"Usually I supply 400 packs of water bottles but now the demand has increased to 700 plus for retailers," he said.

The water crisis has not only hit the residents of Shimla but subsequently tourism industry as well as tourists are canceling their visit to the hill station.

The hotel managements reported due to water crisis situation tourist arrivals is down by 35 percent at least. Even those who had reserved their hotel rooms are making cancellation request.

Harman Kukreja, president Shimla Hoteliers and Restaurants admits, "There is definitely a decline in the footfall due to reports about water scarcity. Those who booked the rooms online in advance are making inquiries on water or asking us to re-schedule their booking days. Few asked for cancellations too".

Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday directed Shimla Municipal Corporation not to dispense water through tankers and as well not to allow any water supply for construction purpose and car washing.

Due to an intense water shortage in the town the court has taken suo moto awareness and has given order taking the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which is unfinished with the high courts for past two years.

The authorities at Shimla deployed 27 tankers for distributing 2.25 lakh liters of water at 63 points in the city. Against a requirement of 32-35 million liters per day, the total accessibility of water from all the sources is at present 21.75 million liters per day.

By Sowmya Sangam