Amid the blistering heat in Delhi-NCR, water scarcity has emerged as a pressing issue in several areas. People are seen languishing for hours on the streets awaiting water tankers. The situation is so grave that some are considering abandoning their homes. The intense heatwave has exacerbated the scarcity of drinking water, placing residents in distress.
Reliance Solely on Private Tankers
In Deoli assembly region, near Noorani Mosque, the water crisis is severe. The locals rely strictly on private water tankers that come only every few days. Charging anywhere from a thousand to fifteen hundred rupees based on demand, a tanker provides 2000 liters of water. With Bakrid approaching in two days, the lack of water puts a damper on the festive celebrations. Due to the water shortage, residents are forced to bathe only once every fortnight.
Houses Abandoned Due to Water Crisis
Shamshad Ali, a local, shares that many have left their homes because of the water crisis. With no water to drink, bathe, or even wash clothes, the government officials and legislators offer empty promises, but no real solutions are provided. In desperation, people resort to buying expensive bottled water for drinking, sometimes even using it for other household purposes.
A Woman Finally Bathes After 17 Days
Naseem remarks that the absence of water has her contemplating returning to her village after only just arriving from there. With an ill husband at home, she recounts how, after 17 days, they could only bathe the previous day. With no government water or tankers, private tankers are their only source, costing up to 2000 rupees. Hasina is exhausted from pleading for water tankers, and along with many others who have already left for their villages, she too feels living here is unendurable. Likewise, Nasreen is getting by using water sparingly.
Source: aajtak
Area Needs Four Tube Wells, Only Two Present
The borewell connection in the neighborhood is often locked. Four tube wells are needed to meet the community's demands, but only two are available. Those who installed them keep them locked, saying water will be provided when available.
In the meantime, let's explore why tankers are necessary in certain Delhi areas and why they are the go-to solution for drinking water supply.
1. What's the situation with water tanker supply in Delhi?
The Delhi Jal Board has 1000 tankers making 6 to 8 trips daily across the city. In emergencies, additional tankers are hired. These tankers carry only potable water as the water from most borewells is too saline for anything but household chores.
2. Which areas require DJB's water tanker supply, and how much does it provide?
Areas like Northwest Delhi, Northeast Delhi, East Delhi, South-East Delhi, New Delhi, Central Delhi, West Delhi, and Dwarka rely on tanker supply. Delhi processes about 1000 MGD of potable water daily, of which only around 5 MGD is distributed by tankers.
Source: aajtak
3. Why is there a need to send water by tankers?
Most slums and informal settlements in Delhi get their water supply from tankers due to the lack of pipeline infrastructure. The Delhi Jal Board coordinates with local residents to determine a fixed point where tankers deliver water daily. Areas lacking pipeline water supply also receive water through tankers.
4. Is tanker supply restricted to the summer months?
Demand for water tankers spikes during summer. However, areas without pipeline infrastructure depend on year-round tanker supply.
5. Apart from DJB, do private agencies hold responsibility for water supply?
Water supply is the sole responsibility of the Delhi Jal Board. It also decides the tanker routes. Each month, private contractors are hired to assist with the water supply. Every tanker is equipped with GPS for tracking.
