close_game
close_game

Cut water connections of 224 hotels in Shimla: HP high court

Hindustan Times, Shimla | By, Shimla
May 30, 2018 11:56 PM IST

Shimla municipal commissioner Rohit  Jamwal informed the high court that there are total 224 hotels which have been given 527 water connections but they haven’t deposited bill for the same. 

Continuing its tough stand against the civic authorities over its failure to provide adequate drinking water to residents of Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh high court on Wednesday ordered to snap water connections of 224 hotels and guest houses that have not deposited their water bills. 

People fill water from the tanker during water crisis at US Club area in Shimla city on Wednesday.(Deepak Sansta /HT)
People fill water from the tanker during water crisis at US Club area in Shimla city on Wednesday.(Deepak Sansta /HT)

Shimla municipal commissioner Rohit  Jamwal during a hearing informed the high court that there are total 224 hotels which have been given 527 water connections but they haven’t deposited bill for the same. 

In its resumed hearing on the third consecutive day, a division bench headed by acting chief justice Sanjay Karol expressed surprise when it was informed that certain hoteliers were not clearing water arrears.

“We direct the commissioner of the municipal corporation to immediately take steps for disconnection of water connections of such hoteliers, who have not yet cleared their municipal dues,” the bench ordered.

HC was also informed that Shimla has been divided into six zones for water distribution purpose. Water was supplied in zone-1 on Tuesday while in Zone-2 water was supplied on Wednesday. The MC commissioner informed the court  that  distribution will be done in accordance to the schedule fixed for the different zones.

Amicus curie KD Shridhar apprised the court that the legal service authority had deputed 16 volunteers and 4 advocates to monitor the water distribution in Shimla town. He further informed that a whats app group has also been created for monitoring the supply.

The commissioner further informed the court that the civic body had urged the state electricity board to divert water stored in its reservoir at Chaba for the utilisation of public but the request was turned down by the board.  Following which the court ordered to make the board’s chairman a respondent in the case and said if the board fails to accept the request of the civic body, the chairman will have to appear in the court on Thursday.

IPH minister visits  Shimla catchment area

Irrigation and public health minister Mahender Singh said 14 MLD water will be procured from the Gumma pumping station per day instead of 11 MLD at present.

The minister visited Gumma and held a meeting with local people and public representative of the gram panchayats of Dewla, Majheewad and Gumma. He said the locals have agreed for releasing water for 15 hours instead of 12 hours for the Gumma pumping station.

Get Current Updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News at Hindustan Times.
See More
Get Current Updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On