New Delhi: Several neighborhoods in South Delhi will now receive water only once daily instead of twice, as part of a water rationing strategy announced by Water Minister Atishi on Tuesday. This decision affects areas like Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Panchsheel Park, Hauz Khas, Chittaranjan Park, and nearby locations. The change will remain in effect until the water supply situation improves.
“I know that where water is being supplied twice a day, people will be troubled if it is cut off for once a day, but I appeal to all Delhiites that we should not think only about ourselves. We should think about everyone,” minister Atishi said.
Widespread Water Challenges
North and South West Delhi, including Mehrauli and Chattarpur, are also facing significant water challenges this summer amid a prolonged heatwave in northwest India, with temperatures in the outskirts of Delhi soaring closer to 50 degrees Celsius. The situation has been exacerbated by Haryana’s cessation of Yamuna water releases to Delhi since the beginning of May, the minister claimed.
In the Delhi Jal Board’s (DJB) summer bulletin on Tuesday, it was reported that the city’s total water production was at 978 million gallons per day (MGD), with Wazirabad producing 110 MGD against a capacity of 131 MGD. Although there was a slight improvement from Monday’s production of 969.32 MGD, Wazirabad’s issues continue to impact the overall supply.
Call for Collective Responsibility
Minister Atishi called for “collective responsibility,” urging residents to avoid wasteful water use, such as washing vehicles with open pipes. She warned that if these voluntary measures are ineffective, the government might issue fines for water wastage in the coming days.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva blamed the severe water shortage on the incompetence of the AAP government, pointing fingers at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Water Minister Atishi. Sachdeva criticized the government’s failure to manage the water crisis.
Delhi Government Blames Haryana
In response, Minister Atishi accused Haryana of not releasing Delhi’s share of water since May 1 and announced various measures, including water supply rationalization across the national capital. During a press conference, Atishi highlighted that many Delhi areas are struggling with water shortages and appealed to residents to use water sparingly.
The Delhi government is in continuous discussions with Haryana to resolve the issue and if no progress is made soon, they may approach the Supreme Court, the minister said. “Haryana has stopped releasing Delhi’s share of water. The water level at Wazirabad was 674.5 feet on May 1. This is the average level that should be maintained. Last year in April, May, and June, the minimum level was maintained at 674.5 feet,” Atishi said.
Data on Declining Water Levels
Providing data, Atishi noted that by May 8, Wazirabad’s water level had decreased to 672 feet, and by May 20, it was at 671 feet, further declining to 669.8 feet on the day of the announcement. To cope with the shortage, borewells that previously operated for six to seven hours are now running for 14 hours, and the number of water tankers has been increased.
The water crisis in Delhi continues to escalate, and residents are urged to cooperate with the rationing measures and use water judiciously. The government remains hopeful that discussions with Haryana will yield a positive outcome, restoring the necessary water levels for the capital.
