Shimla: With dry weather raising fears of water shortages and forest fires, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shimla Anupam Kashyap has directed all departments to stay prepared.
Yet, the real challenge lies not in meetings but in ground-level response—often delayed when emergencies strike.
Chairing a meeting at Bachat Bhawan, the DC emphasized the need for swift coordination, stating that forests are invaluable resources that must be protected from wildfires caused by prolonged dry spells.
The Meteorological Department reported lower rainfall and snowfall this season, though precipitation is expected by the end of February.
A Village, A Tank, and Trained Youth—But Is It Enough?
In the first phase, each sub-division will select one densely populated village where fire tenders cannot easily reach.
Local youth will be trained to control fires until officials arrive. Additionally, water tanks will be built in forested areas for firefighting.
While the plan sounds proactive, past incidents reveal how limited training and infrastructure often fall short when wildfires spread rapidly.
Emergency Contacts, But Who Responds?
The administration aims to create an updated list of village headmen’s contact numbers so residents can report fires immediately.
However, the real test is whether authorities respond in time. The DC also instructed that ‘Aapda Mitras’ (disaster volunteers) should attend Gram Sabha meetings on March 9, 2025, to raise awareness—yet such awareness rarely translates into swift action during crises.
Water Shortage Looms—Preventive Steps or Last-Minute Scramble?
With summer approaching, all water sources must be cleaned by March to prevent waterborne diseases. Areas facing acute shortages will receive water via tankers, with water guards ensuring equitable distribution.
However, past experiences show that water tankers often arrive late, leaving residents struggling.
Farms and Livestock—Cautious Optimism or Hidden Risks?
Agriculture officials claimed no drought-like conditions yet, with 80% of crops sown and seeds distributed as per targets.
The horticulture department reported slightly reduced farming due to low rainfall, though 75,000 saplings were supplied through government channels and 1.5 lakh privately.
Yet, if dry weather persists, both farmers and orchardists could face losses, despite officials’ reassurances.
Departments Alerted—But Will Ground Response Match Plans?
The DC instructed the animal husbandry department to ensure adequate fodder and prevent livestock diseases, while the food supply department must stock enough grains and safeguard warehouses against fire.
The health department must maintain a steady supply of medicines, and the Women and Child Development Department must ensure nutrition in anganwadis.
Additionally, a food safety van will educate dhaba and restaurant owners on hygiene, as water shortages may lead to contaminated water use—a potential health hazard.
Ground Reality: Preparedness Often Falters When It Matters Most
While the meeting outlined preventive measures, the real concern remains the system’s response during actual emergencies.
Ground teams often face delays, coordination gaps, and infrastructure limitations when wildfires break out or water shortages hit.
Unless these on-paper plans translate into rapid, effective action, residents may find themselves grappling with crises while waiting for help to arrive.
