Water ration in Kalimpong

Kalimpong, April 11: The water scarcity in Kalimpong has forced villagers to ration water to suppliers pumping it out from springs and restaurants to restrict their sales.

The hill subdivision has received little rain since October 15. The commercial supply of water to Kalimpong — after collecting it from springs and jhoras in the nearby Upper Dungra — had been stopped for two days following a feud between the villagers and drivers of water-carrying jeeps.

The main grouse of the people was that the commercial pumping from the springs was affecting the local people’s source of water, especially at a time the water sources were fast drying up.

Most of the residents in the town depend on these springs to meet their daily requirements. The suppliers charge between Rs 150 and Rs 200 for 1,000 litres of water.

“The jeeps resumed supplying water from today after we worked out an amicable solution with the Dungra residents. Henceforth, a jeep will be allowed to carry water from the three springs in the village not more than six times a day. Commercial establishments will also have to make do with restricted supply of water. If water has to be supplied from sources located much away from the town, the prices will go up,” said Dorji Tshering Bhutia, the president of the Chalak Mahasangh, affiliated to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

Restaurant owners are worried that if the water scarcity persists for some more time, they may have to wind up business. “I require 2,000 litres of water a day to run my hotel. If there is a shortage of supply, my business will be severely hampered,” said Kumar Gurung, the owner of Shikhar Restaurant.

Some hotels have already restricted sales. “I had to shut down my restaurant yesterday, as there was no water. The hotel is open today, but limited food items have been prepared as I could manage to get only 1,000 litres of water,” said Manohar Chourasia, the owner of Hotel Aditya.

Source: The Telegraph