Shimla: Water crisis overtakes national security

Shimla : The water crisis in the Himachal Pradesh capital, which virtually left the residents high and dry last summer, is turning out to be a major poll issue this time with people literally chanting "tears, tears everywhere, but not a drop of water to drink".

Locals say the Parliamentary elections are generally fought on national issues, but when the day-to-day existence is under crisis there is no harm in raking up such issues with those who are going to be your voice in Parliament.

Shimla for the first time in its history saw an unprecedented water crisis resulting in widespread protests and even marches to the Chief Minister's residence at midnight.

"Last year's nightmares are still fresh in our minds. Despite the BJP government at helm both in the state and the Centre, nothing concrete plan to argument water supply to the town has come to the forth," R.S. Negi, a retired government employee, told IANS.

He and his friends will question candidates of both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress about their plans to ensure regular distribution of potable water for nearly 200,000 residents.

Octogenarian Ramesh Sud, who was born and brought up in Shimla, said national security is not an issue for them.

"For the BJP it may be all about the national security. But for people of Shimla, it is about the issue of inadequate water supply and lack of parking that is affecting day-to-day life.

Both need an immediate action plan from the Centre," Sud added.