Acting CJ's night vigil to check water shortage in Shimla

One may possibly find a police van in the middle of night patrolling the city streets. But residents of the queen of hills, Shimla, would never have expected a chief justice to do so.

In the pitch of darkness, Justice Sanjay Karol, acting Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court, went around on lonely streets of Shimla to take stock of the burgeoning water crisis in the city.

The acting chief justice surprised all when he suddenly descended at the control room of the Shimla municipal corporation around 3 am on Friday. He went through records in the complaints register to ascertain if grievances of people are addressed timely. He also checked records of water being supplied to the public at various locations.

Amidst charges of lopsided distribution of water to VIP’s residing in the state capital, the high court a few days ago had restricted water supply to VIP areas. Prior to his visit to the Shimla municipal corporation in wee hours, sources said, the chief justice has inspected various localities at night and took stock of the situation. The initiative by Justice Sanjay Karol is inviting applause.

The prolonged water crisis in picturesque Shimla is the worst in decades. Drinking water supply has fallen to less than 50% of the daily requirement. Shimla’s two main water supply sources this time around have little to pump out, largely on account of poor rainfall and inadequate snowfall in the winters. The hill town is witnessing protests from residents.

The intensity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that now water in many places is distributed under police protection to avoid any eventuality. Advisories are issued to tourists to not plan a trip to the city anytime soon. Sale of packaged drinking has also gone high. People are buying disposable plates and tumblers to minimise water usage.