Delhi is currently struggling with an alarming water shortage, a crisis unfolding during a time when the heat is nothing short of fiery. This is not the first occurrence. Every year, the summer in Delhi heralds a water crisis. From the searing sunshine to the bone-chilling cold, from biting winter gusts to pounding monsoon rains, poisonous air is a perennial issue. Delhiites face these problems throughout the month, finding brief solace in just a couple of peaceful months.
Water Scarcity:
According to the 2024-25 economic survey by the Delhi government, the city requires 129 crore gallons of water daily, but the Delhi Water Board is struggling to supply even 95 crore gallons a day.
In many parts of Delhi, taps have remained dry for consecutive days. And where water does trickle in, it's not nearly enough to meet the demands. This water crisis rears its head every summer in the capital.
The issue stems from Delhi not having a significant water source of its own. It relies on neighboring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, with Haryana being the largest contributor.
Water Minister Aatishi states daily supply in Delhi amounts to 105 crore gallons, 61.3 crore gallons of which are sourced from the Yamuna in Haryana. They claim to receive only 51.3 crore gallons from Haryana, signaling a shortfall of 10 crore gallons for Delhi.
Aatishi asserts that a deficit of 10 crore gallons affects over 28 lakh individuals. With a capacity to produce 95.6 crore gallons of water per day from its treatment plants, Delhi is currently underproducing. As of June 18th, the output stood at 91.6 crore gallons.
Source: aajtak
Water Scarcity Amidst Scorching Heat:
The water shortage in Delhi coincides with a grueling heatwave. According to the Meteorological Department, there hasn't been a day in June with temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius. Last year, the thermometer surpassed 40 degrees for just five days until June 18.
On the first of June, Delhi saw a record high temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius. Subsequently, except for a few days, the mercury hovered around 44 degrees throughout the month.
Source: aajtak
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