Relief After Torrential Rains: 95% of Water Supply Schemes Restored by Jal Shakti Department

Shimla, August 5:
In the aftermath of the recent spell of heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, the Jal Shakti Department has successfully restored 5,440 water supply schemes on a temporary basis—accounting for nearly 95% of the total affected schemes. This swift action has come as a major relief to residents across the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri commended the efforts of departmental officers and field staff, noting that their dedication and responsiveness in such adverse conditions were both commendable and inspiring. He said that Jal Shakti teams have been working around the clock in affected regions, striving to restore essential services and bring relief to the people. The state government, he added, deeply values their contribution and is extending all necessary support.

Himachal Pradesh operates a total of 10,067 water supply schemes, including 3,210 lift-based, 335 tube well-based, and 6,522 gravity-based systems. Of these, 5,805 schemes were impacted by the recent heavy rains. The department promptly managed to restore 5,440 of them, bringing much-needed respite to the public. The estimated damage to these water supply schemes stands at ₹434.47 crore.

In addition, 1,293 irrigation schemes have also been affected, with estimated losses of ₹101.67 crore. Furthermore, 43 flood protection works suffered damage amounting to ₹19.77 crore, 83 sewerage schemes to ₹23.55 crore, and 319 handpumps to ₹81.52 lakh. Altogether, 7,543 schemes have been affected across the state, with total estimated losses amounting to ₹580.30 crore.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that restoring drinking water and sewerage services remains a top priority for the government. He assured that strict instructions have been issued to the department to avoid any laxity and that the government is fully committed to ensuring the speedy, permanent restoration of all affected schemes.