Understanding Delhi's Water Crisis: Causes, Current Developments, And Solutions

Delhi, one of the world's most populous cities, with over 33.8 million residents, is once again in the throes of a severe water crisis exacerbated by scorching temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius.

Delhi relies heavily on its neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to meet almost 90 per cent of its drinking water needs. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) states that the city's water primarily comes from four sources: 40 per cent from the Yamuna River via Haryana, 25 per cent from the Ganga River, 22 per cent from the Bhakra Nangal Dam, and the remaining 13 per cent from underground sources like Ranney wells and tube-wells. These sources collectively provide the raw water essential for Delhi's water supply system.

Mentioned below are the major reasons for the water shortage in the capital:

1. Inter-State Water Disputes

This summer, Delhi is facing a severe water shortage as the levels of the Yamuna River, a crucial water source for the city, continue to decline. The Yamuna flows through several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, each with its own demands and concerns over water allocation, often leading to disputes.

To manage these complex issues, the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) was established in 1994 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. This board's primary role is to distribute Yamuna's surface water among the states equitably, aiming to mitigate conflicts arising from varied interests.

In 1995, environmentalist Commodore Sureshwar Dhari Sinha approached the Supreme Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) under Article 32 of the Constitution. Sinha highlighted Delhi's severe water scarcity due to inadequate water release from the Tajewala Head on the Yamuna. His plea stressed that the right to water for domestic use should take precedence over other uses, resonating with the court's recognition of water as a fundamental right. In a landmark 1996 judgement, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Sinha, directing Haryana to ensure a consistent water supply to Delhi throughout the year.

i. The Munak Canal: A Vital Development

Following the Supreme Court's directive, Delhi and Haryana embarked on a significant initiative to address the capital's water needs-the Munak Canal project. Completed in 2012 after years of construction, this 102-kilometer canal from Haryana's Karnal district to Delhi's Hyderpur plays a critical role in delivering reliable water supply. It was designed to minimize water loss and enhance efficiency in water distribution.

However, controversies emerged post-completion when Haryana's Chief Minister at the time, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, disputed Delhi's entitlement to water saved through the Munak Canal, citing Haryana's own water crisis. This led to political tensions and legal disputes between the two states, necessitating intervention from the central government and the judiciary.

ii. Legal Battles And Recent Developments

In 2018, Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal approached the Supreme Court again, accusing Haryana of violating the 1996 order by withholding water. While the court provided interim relief, disputes resurfaced in 2021 when Delhi claimed Haryana was obstructing its water supply. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed Delhi's plea for punitive action, citing infrastructural advancements in water management since 1996.

Recently, Delhi's Water Minister Atishi filed a fresh plea urging neighbouring states like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh to provide additional water amidst escalating scarcity. The Supreme Court advised the UYRB to intervene, initially showing promise with Himachal Pradesh's commitment but later retracting due to insufficient surplus water.

As Delhi continues to grapple with its water crisis, exacerbated by urbanisation and changing climate patterns, the Supreme Court has once again directed the Delhi government to engage with the UYRB for a solution. This board, equipped with technical expertise, holds hope for resolving the persistent inter-state water disputes affecting millions of Delhi residents.

2. Pollution Of Water Sources

High levels of ammonia, exceeding 2.5 parts per million, have long been a critical issue affecting water quality in parts of Delhi sourced from the Yamuna River. When ammonia levels rise, it often results in a significant drop in water production at key treatment plants like Wazirabad and Chandrawal, sometimes by as much as 50 per cent.

The Yamuna's pollution is further exacerbated by numerous drains and streams that discharge harmful industrial waste from small and medium-sized industries. Despite efforts by regulatory bodies such as the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and interventions by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the river remains one of the most polluted in the country.

3. Over-extraction Of Groundwater

Over the past five years, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has significantly increased its extraction of groundwater. Initially pumping 86 million gallons per day (MGD) in 2020, this figure has risen to approximately 135 MGD by 2024, as reported by Hindustan Times.

To cope with Delhi's growing water needs, the DJB plans to install 1,034 additional tube wells, aiming to extract an extra 23.45 MGD of groundwater on top of the current extraction levels. However, this intensified groundwater pumping carries serious consequences. It leads to poorer water quality, accelerates the depletion of the water table, and poses a looming threat to future water availability in the region.

4. Impact of Climate Change

According to the draft of the Delhi State Action Plan on Climate Change released in June 2023, the city will grapple with challenges such as heatwaves, higher temperatures, and heavy precipitation events occurring over fewer days in the future. These climate shifts pose significant hurdles to Delhi's water supply, exacerbating existing issues.

5. Inefficient Water Management

Low-income residents of Delhi already struggle with inadequate access to clean water, a situation likely to worsen for millions due to the combined impact of climate change and ineffective water management by the government.

Recently, Atishi announced a water rationing strategy affecting several neighbourhoods in South Delhi. Areas like Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Panchsheel Park, Hauz Khas, Chittaranjan Park, and nearby locations will now receive water only once daily instead of twice. This decision aims to manage dwindling water resources more effectively amidst increasing demand.

The consequences of this rationing are already visible, with images and videos circulating on social media showing Delhi residents rushing to access water tankers. Inefficient water management has become a contentious issue in Delhi's political landscape. While the Delhi government has convened emergency meetings to address the water crisis at the start of summer, opposition voices blame the state government's perceived ineptness, inefficiency, and lack of preparedness for the recurring water shortages during the hot season.

Current Developments

Atishi decides to sit on an indefinite fast from June 21 in response to the ongoing water crisis in the national capital.

"Despite all efforts, the Haryana government has not been providing sufficient water to Delhi. Mahatma Gandhi taught us that to fight against injustice, we must adopt the path of Satyagraha. Today, I begin 'Water Satyagraha'. I will pay homage to Gandhiji at Rajghat at 11 am and then start my indefinite fast at Bhogal, Jangpura from 12 noon. I will continue fasting until the people of Delhi receive their rightful share of water from Haryana," Atishi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Sustainable Solutions

Wasting water in Delhi will now come with a hefty fine of Rs 2,000. Atishi has taken decisive action in a recent meeting to tackle water misuse. She has empowered inspection teams from the DJB (Delhi Jal Board) to penalise those caught wasting water by using pipes to wash cars, allowing water tanks to overflow, or using domestic water supply for construction purposes. The teams also have the authority to disconnect illegal water connections at construction sites and commercial establishments.