Shimla-  The residents are grappling with a severe water crisis following a series of heavy spells of rains  in the region over the past two days.

The heavy downpour has not only disrupted the water sources of the Shimla Water Supply System but has also contaminated the supply, leaving residents in an acute shortage of water in the city.

The water availability in the capital city has downed from 45 MLD to 25 MLD on Monday  as pumping from the major water sources of the city has been stopped due to a high level of turbidity.

Many areas in the city and its peripheries remain water less for the last 48 hours.  

Adding to the water woes of the residents is a heavy influx of tourists mainly on weekends coming the plains to beat the heat.  The hoteliers are operating water tankers to meet out the water demands of the tourists.  

The water sources, including Giri and Gumma, have been inundated with heavy silt that in in turn has sent turbidity levels skyrocketing.

The turbidity, which measures the clarity of water, has surged to an alarming 7000 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), rendering the water unfit for consumption in most of the sources.

Chabba water supply scheme has suffered significant damage due to the release of a staggering 150 cubic meters per second (cumecs) of water from the Nathpa Dam by the SJVN.

The forceful discharge has wreaked havoc on the submersible pumps and inlet pipes, leaving the Chabba Pump House submerged under the deluge of the Sutlej River.

Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan and Shimla MLA Harish Janartha  said  Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) is closely monitoring the situation on an hourly basis, striving to mitigate the water crisis.  There is no chance of uplifting water form Chaba dam. The SJPN staff is on the job as the weather has cleared up now, Janartha said.

However, in the meantime, all residents are urged to utilize water judiciously, considering the scarcity caused by the ongoing crisis, said SJPNL SOS.

In light of the contamination caused by the initial monsoon rains, the SJPNL advises boiling water for a minimum of 10 minutes before consumption.

The first flush of rains often brings a multitude of impurities and contaminants, making it crucial for residents to take necessary precautions.

SJPNL MD said they would ensure an adequate supply of potable water to Shimla City at the earliest as soon as flood subside.

But experts say that water crisis requires concerted efforts and efficient management of resources in the face of the ongoing challenges posed by the heavy rainfall.