Amidst Delhi's assembly elections, the 'water conflict' has resurfaced. The Delhi government, which has often accused Haryana of disrupting water supply, is now alleging that Haryana is polluting the Yamuna with ammonia, risking the health of Delhi's citizens. As the capital heavily relies on its neighboring states for daily water needs, understanding this perennial conflict over water between Delhi and Haryana is crucial.
Where Does Delhi's Water Come From?
Delhi depends on neighboring states for potable water. Haryana supplies through the Yamuna, Uttar Pradesh from the Ganges, and Punjab from Bhakra Nangal. A 2023 study shows Delhi receives daily 389 million gallons from the Yamuna, 253 million gallons from the Ganges, and 221 million gallons from Bhakra-Nangal. Groundwater sources add 90 million gallons. In total, 953 million daily gallons meets the demand, although this increased to 969 million gallons by 2024. However, the city needs 1.29 billion gallons daily.
Haryana dispatches over 750 cusecs daily through the Munak Canal to treatment plants like Haiderpur, Bawana, Nangloi, and Dwarka. Delhi exclusively imports 90% of its water due to a diminishing groundwater table. Apart from Haryana and UP, Delhi leans on Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for water.
A Water Conflict Spanning Three Decades
Delhi endures annual summer water shortages, often blaming Haryana for holding back supply. Historically, the AAP accused Haryana amid claims affecting Delhi’s treatment plants, leading to shortages. This decades-long dispute commenced around three decades ago.
Source: aajtak
In 1995, recognizing Delhi's growing needs, an environmentalist filed a Supreme Court petition urging water flow maintenance in the Yamuna. He argued that disputes in water sharing led Delhi into crisis, lacking even potable water.
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A year later in 1996, the Supreme Court underscored the primacy of water rights, mandating Haryana to fulfill Delhi's allocations. This led to a pivotal agreement with water supplies through Yamuna to key Delhi plants.
Subsequently, the Munak Canal, flowing south to Haiderpur, became crucial in supplying drinking water, thanks to its concrete structure reducing leakage. Delays from 2003 to 2012 were resolved with financial aid from Delhi, but the canal hasn't fully quelled the water quarrel. Currently, Delhi demands 1,296 MGD versus a 1,000 MGD supply, necessitating canal upkeep and pipeline repairs.
Ammonia Threats in the Yamuna
Pollution in the Yamuna isn’t new, often highlighting during the Chhath festival. The river fails numerous quality benchmarks, unusable for drinking or bathing. Discharges from drains, chemicals, and trash pollute it. Additionally, ammonia, used industrially, is deemed a significant contaminant.
When this gas dissolves, it forms ammonium hydroxide, hazardous to health, rendering the water unsafe to drink. Rising ammonia levels in the Yamuna annually lead to water supply halts, with levels often surpassing the safe threshold of 0.5 PPM, reaching up to 8 PPM.
Delhi Jal Board can purify ammonia up to 0.9 PPM, requiring supply stoppages when levels exceed this. High ammonia primarily stems from sewage and chemical industries. Treatment plants fail to manage extensive ammonia, precipitating Delhi's chronic water scarcity issues.
