Save Shimla! Avoid Summer Trips to Shimla this year! Spread the message!

Shimla is no longer the summer destination you can go to – at least this year. An appeal from Shimla Residents on social media websites asking tourists to stay away from the city this year has gained momentum in the last few days. "Give Shimla some time to breathe and recover. There is a massive water crisis here. If you love Shimla, please don't visit," reads the message circulating on Facebook and WhatsApp.

The queen of the hills is now reeling under acute water shortage unlike ever before. For decades, Shimla has been one of the most preferred holiday destinations for people from across the country, more so for residents of tri-city due to proximity. But now Shimla is unable to cope up with the climatic change and it’s a sign for tourists to stay away. The occupancy in hotels is about 60% only this year as compared to the earlier 100%. The summer festival which was held each year at The Ridge in the month of June has also been cancelled for this year.

The extent of shortage is such that Hotels are canceling the advance bookings made by tourists. Some of the hoteliers confessed to buying 6,000 – 10,000 litres of water from a private tanker for between Rs 8,000 to 9,000 on a daily basis. The guests are being denied to use washrooms except in an emergency situation as there is no water available.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has recently ordered a halt to construction activity and banned car washing for a week in core areas of the parched state capital. No tankers will be allowed to supply water to individuals, particularly if they live in VIP areas, the High Court has added. This includes judges, ministers, bureaucrats, police officers and commercial establishments. The locals held a massive protest on Thursday and blocked National Highway 5 near Kachi Ghati.

The water crisis is likely to spread to Solan soon, is the apprehension of the media.

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