Himachal Pradesh is currently grappling with its most severe winter drought, facing staggering rainfall deficits of up to 80% since January 2025. The state has recorded only 29.7 mm of rainfall, drastically lower than the normal average of 149.4 mm, leading to alarming water shortages across multiple districts.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the situation has prompted widespread concern, particularly in regions like Shimla, Solan, and Kangra, which have been experiencing their driest spells for many years. The dense data indicates significant impacts on local water sources, especially as the state's rivulets, commonly relied upon for irrigation and drinking water, have largely dried up.
Reports highlight distressing scenarios, especially from Theog in Shimla, Kasauli-Dharampur in Solan, and the Sulah and Jaisinghpur areas of Kangra, where residents have noted shrinking water availability. With both rural supplies and irrigation channels showing marked decline, local officials warn of potential acute water shortages as temperatures rise during the summer months.
Adding to these problems, the IMD has also issued weather alerts forecasting significant changes over the next few days. An Orange Alert has been declared for districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, predicting heavy rain and snowfall starting from the evening of February 19, extending through the morning of February 21. The weather patterns are driven by a Western Disturbance expected to bring widespread precipitation.
Popular hill stations, which draw tourists from across the nation, are at risk as the IMD forecasts moderate snowfall for hot spots like Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, and Solang Valley. Light snowfall is also expected to blanket Shimla and surrounding areas, yet there remain concerns about how this precipitation will relieve the broader issues of drought.
Dr. Satish Bhardwaj, the head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, pointed out the seriousness of the situation, stating, "This is the second consecutive month of deficient rainfall." His comments underline the growing fears of residents and officials alike about the vicious grip of climate change on regional weather patterns.
Jal Shakti Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has emphasized the urgent need for intervention from the central government to fund water and snow conservation projects aimed at recharging groundwater supplies. His appeal is particularly poignant as locals recount their reliance on long-standing water supply schemes. One official noted, "The number of hours one could pump water from rural water supply schemes like Gorti has reduced from eight to two and a half hours," illustrating the drastic decrease in accessible water hours.
Concerns are mounting among residents about the economic burden of purchasing water from tankers, akin to challenges faced during the previous summer months when the government response fell short of community needs. Many expect to revert to similar strategies this season, leading farmers and families alike to brace for more hardships.
While the extended weather forecast offers hope for temporary relief through impending snow and rain, the long-term outlook remains uncertain, particularly with historical patterns indicating extreme deficits historically noted in 2007, 2016, and 2024. Residents and local authorities remain poised to adapt to changing conditions, yet there is no denying the pressing need for sustained rain across the region.
Officials continue to advise local communities to prepare for potential impacts from heavy snowfall, including traffic disruptions and increased risks on the roads as visibility is expected to decrease. With weather systems changing rapidly, residents are urged to follow government advisories closely and avoid unnecessary travel during the predicted wet spell.
With water scarcity already impacting daily life, there is palpable anxiety about the forthcoming summer months, where expectations for adequate supply become even more dire without substantive rainfall. The community's resilience will be tested as they confront the dual challenges of addressing immediate rainfall and preparing for persistent drought conditions.