Ex-Deputy Mayor Urges Himachal Govt to Implement SOPs for Looming Drought Crisis

Shimla, February 8: Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla and member of Simla Collective, Tikender Singh Panwar, has written to Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, urging immediate action to mitigate the effects of an impending drought in Himachal Pradesh. Citing climate trends and meteorological data, he emphasized the need for short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures to combat the worsening water crisis.

Panwar highlighted that post-monsoon rainfall deficits exceeding 90% and a receding snowline have severely impacted the state’s water retention capacity. He called for urgent repairs to leaking pipelines, equitable water distribution, a standardized water management SOP, and stricter policies to regulate groundwater extraction. Additionally, he stressed the need for long-term solutions such as redesigning water infrastructure, promoting water recycling, and implementing capacity-building programs through HIPA.

Panwar urged the state government to proactively address the crisis before it escalates into a full-scale disaster, emphasizing that adaptation and sustainable water management strategies are essential for Himachal’s future.