Even after the monsoon season ended, Dharamsala in Kangra district continues to face a serious shortage of drinking water. The Jal Shakti Department has been rationing supplies, and officials warn it may take three to four weeks before normal distribution resumes in Dharamsala and neighboring McLeodganj.
The crisis is linked to extensive damage to a 3-kilometer stretch of the main Gajj Khud water supply pipeline, which was hit by landslides during the heavy July rains. This pipeline, crucial to Dharamsala’s water network, has remained non-functional since the incident.
Chief Engineer Deepak Garg confirmed repair efforts are ongoing but cautioned that the challenging terrain could delay full restoration. “Our teams are working on-site, and we aim to restore full supply in a couple of weeks,” he said.
Meanwhile, water supply is being supplemented by the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes, but these sources cannot meet peak demand, especially with the influx of tourists. Local areas such as Kala Pul, Ramnagar, Sham Nagar, and Kotwali Bazaar are most affected, forcing residents to rely on borewells.
The shortage has exposed the fragile state of Dharamsala’s water infrastructure. Civic groups have criticized the government for slow repairs and called for the Gajj Khud project to be prioritized as an emergency. Social activist Atul Bhardwaj said, “Tourism drives Dharamsala’s economy, yet both locals and visitors are struggling for drinking water. The government’s response has been inadequate.”
Once the Gajj Khud pipeline is fully restored, it is expected to provide significant relief to households and reduce pressure on the other supply schemes. Until then, rationing and water scarcity are likely to persist.
