The Himachal Pradesh government has cancelled leaves of all Jal Shakti Vibhag employees amid scarcity and inequitable distribution of water, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

According to an official statement, officials of the department will not be granted any kind of leave.

The officials have been directed to remain present at their respective places of posting. In case, any officer or official has already proceeded on leave, they will be directed to report back to their respective place of posting, the spokesperson said.

All the engineers-in-chief, chief engineers and superintending engineers of the Jal Shakti Vibhag have been instructed to sort out the issue relating to shortage of drinking water in the state.

Strict directions have been passed to take immediate remedial steps to ensure proper water supply to the general public, the statement said.

A drought-like situation has arisen in the entire state due to which the people are facing acute shortage of drinking water and other difficulties, the spokesperson said.

It has also been observed that various complaints are being received particularly regarding scarcity and inequitable distribution of drinking water and damages of water supply schemes, he said.

This step has been taken keeping in view the adverse situation in the state.

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