Analysis of the Water Shortage Situation in Darjeeling Town

Abstract

Water is essential to life and plays a crucial role in our day-to-day activities. It is also an imperative necessity. Water provision is one of the most crucial public services offered by Darjeeling Municipality. The main water supply sources in Darjeeling Town are natural springs, which are mostly dependent on the local geography and rainfall. People from all walks of life in Darjeeling are aware that the twin Senchal lakes (South Lake, built in 1910, with a capacity of 13 million gallons, and North Lake, built in 1932, with a capacity of 20 million gallons) that supply drinking water to the town come from a 15-kilometre stretch of perennial springs away from the town of Darjeeling. Only 14 springs remain out of 26 due to rampant deforestation and unlawful development close to the catchments. According to the report, Darjeeling Municipal Town continues to struggle with its high water storage levels and low per-person water availability. A daily supply of 15–18 lakh gallons of water is needed in Darjeeling. The municipality can only supply roughly 7-8 lakh litres during the dry season. With 21,782 houses and more than 1.18 lakh residents as of today, Darjeeling town is expected to see an additional 1 to 2 lakh residents with the opening of new schools, colleges, and tourist attractions. Since there is a lack of water in this hill town, it follows that the residents of Darjeeling Town must rely on rainwater collection and private water delivery.