Crisis deepens, Mandi city residents go without water supply for 3rd day

Residents of Mandi city faced a scarcity of water for the third consecutive day today. The water supply disruption began on Tuesday after torrential rain caused extensive damage to roads, power infrastructure, and water supply schemes in Mandi district. The main water supply scheme at Uhl had been completely damaged due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.

As piped water supply is not available, local residents are relying on natural sources, a practice considered unsafe during the monsoon season due to the risk of contamination. Jeevan Thakur, Yamuna Sharma, Suneel Kumar and a few other locals expressed deep concern over the water crisis. They said that life had become extremely difficult without access to clean water for drinking and other domestic needs.

“The district authorities must deploy enough manpower and equipment to restore water supply as soon as possible,” said a resident. Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Raj Kumar Saini said that the main water source at Uhl had been severely impacted due to heavy rain. “The access road to the Uhl water source has suffered extensive damage due to heavy landslides at multiple locations. We are working on a war footing to remove debris with the help of machines and transporting new pipes,” he added.

Saini said that the main water pipeline had been completely damaged. “We are clearing the road for small vehicles so that welding sets and essential equipment can reach the site. Despite challenges posed by ongoing heavy rain, restoration efforts are in full swing,” he added. The Jal Shakti Department was hopeful that water supply to Mandi city would be restored by tomorrow.

The current monsoon fury has taken a heavy toll on the district. So far, 171 roads were blocked due to landslides while 89 electricity transformers and 78 water supply schemes were damaged.

Government officials have urged local residents to exercise patience and assured them that efforts are being made to expedite the restoration of essential services. Residents have been advised to boil or treat water from natural sources before use as a temporary safety measure.

Himachal Tribune