The burning wave of this year is bringing the nation’s capital’s urban water problem to light the Delhi water crisis. There is a severe shortage of water in Delhi, along with the heat wave and record-high temperatures. People are waiting in scorching sunshine in long lines to get water from tankers. Those from families with fewer resources are most harmed.
The Supreme Court of India stepped in and directed Haryana to ensure the water’s safe transit to India’s capital through the Yamuna River.
While Himachal Pradesh has been directed to discharge 137 cusecs of extra water, Delhi must ensure it does not waste this additional water from Himachal Pradesh.
It’s crucial to note that the Yamuna River primarily supplies Delhi’s water.
The origin of this river is in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. It then runs through Himachal Pradesh, along the boundary between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, and into Delhi.
The Wazirabad Barrage in Delhi collects water, which is then sent to be treated and further delivery. Regrettably, there is less water available for treatment and supply at the Wazirabad Barrage Reservoir due to a significant drop in water level.
The Delhi government has attributed the river’s low water level to Haryana.
The Delhi government has attributed the river’s low water level to Haryana. However, the Haryana government swiftly denied these accusations, claiming that it is providing water in excess of the agreed-upon amount.
It is crucial to understand that Delhi’s water dilemma is a direct outcome of uncontrolled urban expansion and mostly the result of its own idleness.
The Delhi Government’s Economic Survey report has highlighted a consistent increase in the city’s water demand. Which has now reached 1,290 million gallons per day (MGD). However, water production and supply have remained limited to between 935 and 1,000 MGD. This situation places the city in a near-constant “Day Zero” scenario, where the municipal supply system cannot provide sufficient water to households.
For most of the year, Delhi manages to cope with this water shortage by relying heavily on groundwater sources.
Delhi water crisis explained
However, the pre-monsoon summer months intensify the crisis, with high evaporation rates and peak water demand exacerbating the scarcity. Global warming and extreme heatwave events, like the one witnessed this year, are bound to worsen Delhi’s water situation. Climate change models predict an increase in the frequency of such hot weather events, which should set alarm bells ringing.
While the Delhi Government has made efforts to augment the water supply, including purchasing more than the natural share of water from the Yamuna River from upstream states, recycling water, and increasing water storage, these measures are short-term and will soon become inadequate.
A permanent solution to this crisis should start with a reality check on why Delhi has such a high water demand and what measures can optimize this ever-increasing need. Delhi can achieve sustainable development only through such demand-side interventions.
In addition, Delhi needs to take climate action planning more seriously, starting with stronger measures to protect its wetlands. The Yamuna, which has witnessed considerable degradation of its floodplain, should not receive attention only during times of crisis. Authorities must declare the entire stretch of the Yamuna and its floodplain in India’s capital as an eco-sensitive zone to safeguard its groundwater recharging potential. This designation will aid in preserving the city’s dwindling groundwater resources. According to the Central Ground Water Board, groundwater overexploitation affects 38 percent of Delhi and places 47 percent of the city’s areas in a critical to semi-critical state.
Conserving the Yamuna floodplain will also help prevent flooding around the river, which often for occurs after the summer months and diverts attention from water scarcity. However, we must remember that the water crisis in Delhi worsens during the summer, making life miserable for its citizens.
While government action is essential, citizens must also contribute by conserving water and preventing unnecessary wastage. Simple actions, like voluntarily choosing not to wash cars with a hose or pipe during this water crisis, can make a significant difference. Citizens should voluntarily adopt such measures, without relying on government-imposed fines like the current Rs 2,000 penalty.
Citizens must also take responsibility for maintaining the ponds and lakes in their neighborhoods and protecting them from encroachment. The lack of water availability is a public health hazard and must be swiftly addressed.
The earlier rulers of Delhi took extraordinary measures to secure water for their people. They built vibrant structures like the Hauz Khas Lake complex. And exquisite baolis (step wells) such as Agrasen ki Baoli., Close to Connaught Place. It’s time to revisit these structures, not just for their architectural beauty but also to consider drawing water from them. Especially during the summer months.
Delhi’s Water Minister, Atishi
Delhi’s Water Minister, Atishi, stated on Wednesday that she had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the water crisis in the city. She emphasized that if the issue is not resolved promptly, she will commence an indefinite strike from June 21.
Addressing a press conference, Atishi said, “I have reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Regarding the urgent water crisis and urged him to address this issue. If the crisis remains unresolved within two days, I will initiate an indefinite strike starting June 21.”
