Shimla Faces Major Water Supply Cut Due to Giri River Turbidity Surge
Shimla’s daily water supply has plummeted by around 12 million liters per day after the Giri River, a crucial water source, experienced a significant increase in turbidity.
A spokesperson from Shimla Jalparbhandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) reported that the turbidity levels in the Giri River soared to approximately 11,300 NTU on Thursday, up from 9,200 NTU on Wednesday.
This increase in turbidity, caused by silt and floodwaters carrying large logs, led to the suspension of water supply from the Giri River.
The Giri Water Supply Scheme, which typically delivers around 18 million liters per day (MLD), saw a drastic reduction to 5.8 MLD on Thursday, down from 17.8 MLD on Wednesday before heavy monsoon rains began.
SJPNL spokesperson Sahil Sharma informed a news agency that Shimla received 36.1 MLD of water from all sources on Thursday, about 12 MLD less than the usual supply. The distribution of water from various sources on August 8 was around:
- Gumma: 21.0 MLD
- Giri: 5.8 MLD
- Churot: 3.5 MLD
- Seog: 0.7 MLD
- Chairh: 1.2 MLD
- Koti Brandy: 3.9 MLD
In comparison, on August 7, Shimla received:
- Gumma: 16.9 MLD
- Giri: 17.6 MLD
- Churot: 3.4 MLD
- Seog: 0.6 MLD
- Chairh: 1.4 MLD
- Koti Brandy: 4.2 MLD
This totaled 44.1 MLD.
Last week, the town’s water supply had already been reduced to 14.3 MLD due to blockages caused by heavy logs and increased turbidity. At the New Gumma Head weir, a wooden log obstructed the raw water gravity line. This blockage has since been cleared, allowing the water supply to resume from this source.
Residents of Shimla are advised to use drinking water sparingly due to the reduced supply and potential contamination risks. It is recommended to boil water before consumption during this rainy season to ensure safety.
According to the State Disaster Management Authority, about 15 water supply schemes have been affected by the recent rainfall.
