The capital reels from a mounting water crisis. As the highest court deliberates, Minister Atishi, with ADM/SDM and Tehsildar teams, scrutinized the water distribution pipelines adjacent to Akshardham on Thursday. When quizzed about the tanker mafia, she affirmed the need for stringent action, but also that such measures will not suffice.
She explained that Delhi generates 1000 MGD of water, with roughly 1000 or 1100 tankers completing 6 to 8 rounds daily. Out of the 1000 MGD produced, tankers manage a mere distribution of 5 MGD, amounting to a mere 0.5% of the city's water production. She insisted on absolute restraint over the tanker mafia, whether they operate beyond the Haryana border or within Delhi’s jurisdiction.
She stated that even if crackdowns save half, three-quarters, or 1 MGD of water, a shortfall of 40 MGD can only be met with additional water from Yamuna. With all city departments now mobilized to curb water waste, this alone will not overcome the deficit. Hence, she appealed to the Supreme Court for additional water supply during the forthcoming 20-day heatwave.
A heavy crowd swells as people gather around tankers, notably in the Sanjay Colony of Tughlakabad constituency. Residents express dire issues with water supply, with many struggling to access ample water when tankers arrive. The water obtained is inadequate for their needs.
An enterprising sting operation by a media team seeks to expose the corrupt practices amidst Delhi's water crisis. The sting has unveiled the hard truth where citizens yearn for every drop of water, while the tanker mafia cashes in, commodifying every drop that should have been freely available to the parched city.
