Delhi Water Crisis: Unraveling the Challenge and Charting a Path Forward in 2024

Delhi Water Crisis – Analyzing the Hurdles and Crafting a Sustainable Solution for the India Capital!

Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by a relentless heatwave. This issue is not new; Delhi has long been water-stressed, and the current situation has forced many residents to rely on water tankers to meet their daily needs. Here, we delve into the root causes of Delhi water scarcity, its profound impacts, and sustainable solutions to mitigate the crisis.

The Scale of the Problem

Did you know that five of the world’s 20 largest cities facing extreme water stress are in India, with Delhi ranking second? This alarming statistic comes from the Composite Water Management Index released by NITI Aayog in 2019. Delhi largely depends on neighboring states for its water supply.

To get to homes, water travels past nine water treatment plants via the Yamuna, the Upper Ganga Canal via Muradnagar in Uttar Pradesh, the Carrier Lined Channel (CLC) Munak, and the Delhi Sub-Branch (DSB) canals from Haryana. The city is still unable to meet its water needs in spite of these efforts. Delhi is dependent on its quickly running out groundwater supplies because the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) can only produce 1,000 MGD per day, compared to the city’s daily requirement of 1,290 MGD.

Root Causes of the Delhi Water Crisis and Scarcity

1. Over-extraction of Groundwater

In recent years, the absence of additional water supply from neighboring states has forced the DJB to increase groundwater extraction steadily. From 86 MGD in 2020, extraction rose to around 135 MGD by 2024. DJB plans to add 1,034 tubewells to extract an additional 23.45 MGD. This over-reliance on groundwater has led to poor water quality, depletion of the water table, and a threat to future water supplies.

2. Pollution of Water Sources

High ammonia levels in the Yamuna River have long plagued Delhi’s water supply. When ammonia levels exceed 2.5 parts per million, water production at key treatment plants like Wazirabad and Chandrawal drops by 50%. Numerous drains and rivulets discharge toxic waste from industries into the Yamuna, further contaminating the water. Despite oversight by pollution control boards and interventions by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Yamuna remains one of the most polluted rivers in India.

3. Drastic Climate Change

Climate change has exacerbated Delhi’s water problems. According to the Delhi State Action Plan on Climate Change released in June 2023, the city could face economic losses of Rs 2.75 trillion by 2050 due to climate impacts. The plan highlights that rising temperatures and erratic precipitation patterns pose significant challenges to the city’s water supply.

4. Inefficient Water Management

Inefficient management has compounded Delhi’s water crisis. For instance, water rationing strategies have been implemented, reducing supply frequency in several South Delhi neighborhoods. While these measures aim to conserve water, they often leave many residents struggling to meet their basic needs.

5. Unwanted Inter-State Water Disputes

Disputes over water allocation from the Yamuna River between Delhi and Haryana have intensified. Haryana accuses Delhi of drawing more water than allocated, leading to legal battles and Supreme Court interventions. Effective management by the Upper Yamuna River Board is crucial for equitable water distribution among basin states.

Impact of Water Scarcity among People

Health Issues

Reduced access to clean water forces marginalized communities to rely on unsafe sources, leading to waterborne diseases. Insufficient water supply also hampers the maintenance of public sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of illnesses like cholera.

Social and Economic Impact

Poor hygiene and sanitation due to water scarcity result in higher healthcare costs and reduced productivity. Marginalized communities often depend on costly and unreliable water tankers, straining their economic resources further.

Let’s Delve into some Sustainable Solutions to Address Delhi Water Crisis & Scarcity

Water Conservation and Management

Delhi’s government has implemented measures to curb water wastage. Residents face fines for using hoses to wash cars, allowing tanks to overflow, or using domestic supplies for construction. The Delhi Jal Board’s Summer Action Plan 2024 includes nine plant laboratories to monitor water quality at each treatment stage, ensuring a reliable supply.

Technological Interventions

The DJB, in collaboration with Hitachi India, has introduced smart technology to monitor the water distribution network in Pitampura. This project uses field sensors, remote terminal units, smart meters, and a Pipe Network Management System to enable real-time monitoring, ensuring equitable distribution and effective management of non-revenue water.

Infrastructure Development

To address the crisis, it is imperative to enhance the production and supply of potable water. The DJB has increased infrastructure charges for new water connections and expanded the water distribution network in unauthorized colonies. As of 2024, piped water supply has been commissioned in 1,638 of 1,799 unauthorized colonies, with plans to extend it further.

Apt Implementation of Policy and Governance Reforms

An integrated approach to land-use planning and zoning, which includes water as a key aspect, is essential for sustainable urban development. The NITI Aayog report suggests that state and city governments should consider regional water resource availability when creating city plans and restrict unsustainable development activities. Inter-state cooperation is crucial for mitigating Delhi’s annual water crisis, especially during the summer months.

Conclusion

Delhi water crisis is a multifaceted issue that requires immediate and sustained action. Over-extraction of groundwater, pollution of water sources, climate change, inefficient water management, and inter-state disputes have all contributed to the current situation. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of water conservation measures, technological interventions, infrastructure development, and policy reforms. Only through collaborative efforts and effective governance can Delhi hope to secure a sustainable water future for its residents.