Delhi is grappling with a severe water crisis as the Yamuna river has run dry, drastically reducing the supply from the Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants. The situation has worsened amid an intense heatwave, leaving residents in several parts of the city struggling for water.
Yamuna Water Levels Plummet
The water level in the Yamuna has dropped to a critical low, forcing the Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants to operate at reduced capacity. These plants supply water to large areas of the capital, including central and south Delhi. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has had to cut water supply by nearly 30% in some regions.
Impact on Daily Life
Residents in affected areas are facing severe hardships, with many relying on water tankers for their daily needs. The heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius, has compounded the problem. Long queues for water have become a common sight, and there are reports of clashes over water distribution.
The DJB has urged residents to use water judiciously and has deployed additional tankers to the worst-hit areas. However, officials admit that the situation is likely to persist until the monsoon arrives.
Government Response
The Delhi government has sought help from the central government to release more water from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana. However, low rainfall in the upper catchment areas has limited the availability of water. The government has also announced plans to set up temporary water treatment plants and deepen borewells in some areas.
Long-Term Solutions
Experts have called for long-term measures to address Delhi's water crisis, including rainwater harvesting, recycling of wastewater, and better management of the Yamuna. The city's water demand is estimated to be around 1,200 million gallons per day (MGD), but current supply is only about 900 MGD.
The crisis highlights the vulnerability of the capital's water infrastructure to climate change and the need for sustainable water management practices.
