Himachal water crisis: Government schools in Shimla area to shut for a week

The government of Himachal Pradesh has decided to close all government schools in the municipal area of Shimla. Schools will be closed for a week, starting from Monday.

In a notification issued by the Directorate of Education, Director of Higher Education Amar Dev said the step has been taken, owing to “tourist” rush during the summer season in Shimla.

The state government has decided to grant vacations to students in the primary, middle and higher secondary sections of government schools. School will remain closed till June 8 and will reopen on June 11. Private schools in Shimla will remain closed for summer vacations for a week.

“However, in July, the schools will not shut down for monsoon vacations,” said Amar Dev.

Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj has confirmed the decision. However, he denied that the ongoing water crisis was a factor behind the move.

Taking serious note of alleged negligence in the supply of water, Irrigation and Public Health Minister Mahinder Singh ordered the suspension of the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) SDO.

Singh said the government would not tolerate any laxity on part of officials and take strict action against those found neglecting their duty.

He said city residents are demanding the resignation of the Shimla Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and the Municipal Commissioner.

Meanwhile, residents of Kasumpti, Mahli, Jiwanu, Panthaghati and a few other colonies blocked roads in protest against inadequate water supply. A group of two dozen women reached the water control room in Chotta Shimla carrying lathis and protested there.

SMC has prepared a roster for water supply and divided the city into three zones but adequate water was still not being supplied to many areas, the residents complained.

The protests broke out as officials said water supply has been increased from 22.5 million litres per day to 28.

SMC has disconnected water supply to 43 hotels which have not paid their water bills as per the orders of the high court. The court has ordered authorities to maintain strict vigil on the "key-man" opening the water supply and said that the opening of the "key" to supply water be video-graphed.