Hamirpur cleans 236 wells, baoris and khatris to prevent monsoon waterborne diseases

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Hamirpur, July 12

A district-wide campaign to clean and restore traditional water sources in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur has resulted in the cleaning of 236 facilities, as authorities step up efforts to prevent waterborne diseases during the monsoon and strengthen water conservation.

According to officials, the cleaned sites include 58 wells, 55 khatris (hand-hewn caves), 112 step wells, three storage tanks, five ponds, and three hand pumps.

The initiative was launched by Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore to safeguard public health during the monsoon while preserving traditional water sources that continue to play an important role in meeting local water needs.

The campaign has brought together women’s groups, youth organisations and gram panchayats, encouraging community participation in cleaning and rejuvenating wells, ponds, baoris, khatris and other natural water bodies across the district.

Rathore said Hamirpur has achieved 100 percent piped drinking water coverage through the Jal Shakti Department. However, she noted that scanty rainfall continues to pose a risk of water scarcity in several parts of the district, making the conservation and revival of traditional water sources essential.

She also said these natural water sources are particularly vulnerable to contamination during the monsoon, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases if they are not properly maintained.

The district administration expects the campaign to improve the condition of traditional water sources, support long-term water security, and promote public awareness of the importance of water conservation.