Shimla, April 25 -- Even after 78 years of independence, basic necessities like clean drinking water remain a distant dream for many in Himachal Pradesh.
Neda village, located in the remote Giripar region of Sirmaur district, is one such example. Home to around 40 families, the village is reeling under a severe water crisis. As summer intensifies, the residents-especially women-are forced to carry water on their heads from a steep ravine nearly two kilometers away.
Despite being officially connected to the Lift Drinking Water Scheme, the village receives water supply only sporadically. Villagers allege that due to the sheer negligence of the Jal Shakti Department, the system is dysfunctional and unable to meet even the basic needs of the...