The water crisis in Delhi has been a persistent issue, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change.
Water Scarcity: Delhi faces acute water shortages, especially during the summer months. The demand for water far exceeds the supply, leading to frequent water cuts.
Yamuna River Pollution: The Yamuna River, a major source of water for Delhi, is heavily polluted. Industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff contribute to its contamination, making the water unsafe for consumption.
Groundwater Depletion: Over-extraction of groundwater has led to a significant drop in the water table. This unsustainable practice is driven by the lack of reliable surface water sources.
Infrastructure Issues: Delhi’s water distribution infrastructure is outdated and inefficient. Leakages and illegal connections result in substantial water loss.
Government Measures: The Delhi government has been implementing various measures to address the crisis. These include rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and improving the water distribution network.
Interstate Water Disputes: Delhi’s dependency on water from neighboring states like Haryana often leads to conflicts, further complicating the water supply situation.
Delhi water crisis news 2024
Delhi is currently facing a severe water crisis due to multiple factors.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has announced stringent measures, including a fine of Rs 2,000 for wasting water, to combat the shortage amid an intense heatwave. This includes prohibiting the overflow of water tanks, washing of cars, and use of domestic water for construction purposes.
One of the primary reasons for the crisis is the reduced water levels in the Yamuna River and fluctuating supplies from the Carrier Lined Canal (CLC) and the Delhi Sub Branch Canal (DSB), which together contribute about 40% of Delhi’s water supply.
The water level at Wazirabad, a key reservoir, has dropped significantly, leading to disruptions in water treatment and supply across the city.
Moreover, political tensions between Delhi and Haryana have exacerbated the issue, with Delhi officials accusing Haryana of not releasing Delhi’s allocated share of water.
The Delhi government is considering approaching the Supreme Court if the situation does not improve.
Which river supply the 70% of water in Delhi
Approximately 70% of Delhi’s water supply comes from surface water sources, with the Yamuna River being the primary source.
The Yamuna, along with water transported via the Carrier Lined Canal (CLC) and the Delhi Sub Branch Canal (DSB) from Haryana, constitutes a significant portion of the city’s water supply.
The distribution is as follows:
- Yamuna River and Canals from Haryana: Approximately 40% of the water supply.
- Upper Ganga Canal from Uttar Pradesh: Around 25%.
- Bhakra Nangal Dam in Punjab: About 22%.
- Subsurface sources like tubewells: The remaining 13% .
why delhi water is salty ?
Reasons:
Groundwater Over-extraction: Extensive extraction of groundwater has led to the depletion of fresh water, causing saline water to seep into the aquifers. This is particularly common in areas where the water table has dropped significantly.
Yamuna River Pollution: The Yamuna River, a primary water source, is heavily polluted. During lean flow periods, the dilution of pollutants decreases, increasing the salinity of the water.
Industrial Discharges: Untreated or partially treated industrial effluents are often discharged into water bodies, increasing the salinity and contamination levels.
Agricultural Runoff: Runoff from agricultural fields, which may contain salts from fertilizers, can enter water sources, raising the salinity levels.
Canal Water Issues: Water transported from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh through canals can sometimes carry higher salt concentrations due to upstream activities and reduced flow, especially during dry seasons .
Is Delhi water safe to drink?
Quality Concerns: Delhi ‘s water quality often faces issues related to high levels of pollutants, including ammonia spikes and contamination from industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. These pollutants make water unsafe for direct consumption without proper treatment.
Government Reports: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has periodically tested water samples in Delhi, finding that some areas do not meet safety standards.
These tests revealed issues such as contamination with bacteria and heavy metals, posing health risks to residents.
Treatment Efforts: The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) treats water at various treatment plants to make it safe for consumption.