Water crisis deepens in 60 Bhiwani villages as Bhakra canal supply halted

Bhiwani: Around 55 to 60 villages in and around Bhiwani district are grappling with a severe drinking water crisis after Punjab stopped the flow of water from the Bhakra Canal. Residents have been forced to rely on tube well supplies, which have proven insufficient for daily needs.

The Bhakra Canal was scheduled to resume water flow on April 25. However, even after a delay of five days, the canal remains dry. Officials said that once the water is released, it will still take at least a day for the supply to reach households, worsening the existing shortage.

According to the Public Health Department, alternative arrangements have been made through tube wells to ensure basic supply in the affected villages. However, the situation remains tense as residents continue to suffer due to limited availability.

Officials also confirmed that water from the Yamuna is being used to serve other parts of the district, but this time the supply has fallen short.

As per departmental figures, only about 70 percent of the expected water has been received. The Public Health Department has started rationing water to prevent further shortages.