Shimla, July 21

Even as the water supply situation is getting to normal in the town, the Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) has decided to continue with water rationing in three zones — Sanjauli, Central Zone and Chaura Maidan — till July 31. The three zones will get the supply on alternate days.

In the summer season, Shimla was hit by a potable water crisis due to the decrease in water level of six supply sources, forcing the SJPNL to resort to water rationing.

However, with the arrival of the monsoon, water level in the schemes started improving. This made several councillors as well as locals question the irregular water supply to the town.

SJPNL AGM (Water) PP Sharma said the company would continue with the water rationing in three zones. while the current supply schedule would remain intact for other parts of the town.

He said as heavy rain was expected on July 22 and 23, there were chances of silt accumulation in the water sources due to which the supply might get affected. "Therefore, we have decided to continue with the water rationing plan," he added.

He said despite water rationing, no complaints of water shortage were registered so far.

Recently, the Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited had started providing regular water supply to the Chhota Shimla and New Shimla zones, providing relief to residents.

Meanwhile, the state capital received 36.92 million litres per day (MLD) of water supply on Sunday, including 16.55 MLD from Gumma, 12.05 MLD from Giri, 2.97 MLD from Churot, 1.08 MLD from Chairh and 4.27 MLD from the Koti Brandi scheme.

Rain expected

We have decided to continue with the water rationing plan as heavy rain expected on July 22 and 23 may lead to silt accumulation in sources, hitting water supply. — PP Sharma, SJPNL AGM (Water)