Dharamshala, Jan. 20 -- With winter precipitation continuing to elude Himachal Pradesh, the state is facing a major threat of water scarcity. The absence of rain and snow have begun to choke vital supply lines.

In Chamba and Kangra districts alone, nearly 30% of the 1,550 functional water schemes have been hit, due to which the Jal Shakti Vibhag is continuously monitoring the situation. The crisis is acute for spring-sourced schemes, which rely on groundwater recharge from winter precipitation.

Authorities have expressed concern that if the dry spell continued for another 10-15 days, the situation could escalate into severe crisis.

Chief engineer (Dharamshala zone), Jal Shakti Vibhag, Deepak Garg, said, "In our latest assessment, we fo...