Dharamshala–McLeodganj Hit by Worsening Water Crisis as Landslides Damage Supply Lines

Dharamshala and McLeodganj are facing an acute drinking water crisis after heavy overnight rainfall triggered landslides that damaged multiple supply pipelines.

A district administration spokesperson confirmed on Saturday morning that the main supply line carrying water from the Naddi treatment plant to Dharamshala had been severely damaged due to a landslip, disrupting several distribution networks. As a result, water supply remained cut off across both towns on Saturday morning.

The situation has been compounded by the prolonged shutdown of one of the city’s major sources, the Gaj Khad scheme, which has been out of operation for over a month. This week, the Naddi-Bhatehar and Bhagsunag schemes were also hit, further restricting water availability to large parts of the city.

Areas including Kala Pul, Ramnagar, Shyam Nagar, and Kotwali Bazaar are struggling with severe shortages, with many residents forced to fetch water from borewells and natural springs. In Kala Pul, taps have run dry for several days.

Former mayor and current councillors Devinder Jaggi and Onkar Nehria have urged the district administration to arrange water tankers if normal supply cannot be restored quickly.

Officials from the Jal Shakti Department said heavy rainfall and swollen drains had caused extensive damage to the pipelines. They noted that two main supply lines have already been reconnected to the Naddi-Bhatehar scheme, while repair work on the Bhagsunag line is underway.

Meanwhile, social activist Atul Bhardwaj criticized the authorities, alleging that despite Dharamshala’s status as a “Smart City,” the ground reality tells a different story. He accused the Jal Shakti Department of failing to provide timely alternatives, adding that supply from tube wells and temporary sources was far below residents’ actual needs.

Officials admitted that continuous rainfall is hampering restoration efforts but assured that work is ongoing to fully repair and restore the affected water supply schemes.