Water crisis at Mussoorie resort marks onset of summer

Mussoorie (Uttaranchal), Apr 24 : Mussoorie, also known as the "Queen Of The Hills," for its scenic beauty and cool climes, is in for a severe drinking water crisis with the summer already having set in.

The water crisis ahead of the peak summer season is posing a threat to tourism at the picturesque resort and in turn to the economy of the region.

Residents said that they are facing an acute water crisis as most of the wells and hand pumps in their area have dried up due to decreasing water table.

The town is already witnessing people with buckets in long queues in front of dry taps waiting for water supply.

Women have to walk miles and children cycle for kilometers to fetch water for their daily requirements, while temperatures soar.

They have alleged failure of the government year after year to provide them with adequate water supply.

"Hoards of people line up when they sight a tap with water. It has become really difficult. We have complained a lot of times, but it seems our pleas have fell on deaf ears," said Nasreena Bano, a woman.

They also added that due to this water shortage, many a times the hotel owners are forced to use unsafe drinking water, raising concerns about healthf tourists flocking to the "Queen of the hills."

Officials and experts claim that water crisis is linked the electricity crisis which is adding to the water woes since the water production and distribution is dependent on power supply.

"The water supply in this state is dependent on the electricity supply. Ours is a multi-staged pumping process and if at any stage, electricity goes off, the water tanks do not get filled," said A.K. Sharma, retired engineer of Jal Nigam (water corporation).

Ironically, potable water crisis has been worsening in Uttaranchal which has more than 25 per cent of the country's water resources, with two major rivers -- the Ganga and Yamuna -- flowing through the state.

ANI