The water crisis in Delhi has persisted for over a week, with several pockets across the national capital still facing severe shortages as Yamuna water levels at the Wazirabad barrage remain critically low.
Despite the Haryana government releasing additional water into the Munak Canal, the situation has shown little improvement, forcing residents in many areas to rely on water tankers and stored water amid intense heatwave conditions .
Wazirabad water level remains critically low
The water level at the Wazirabad barrage, which serves as the primary holding area for raw water supplied to Delhi’s largest treatment plants, continues to hover well below the normal operational mark. The normal level required for smooth functioning is 674.5 feet, but levels have remained around 669.5 feet .
The Delhi Jal Board’s two major water treatment plants — Wazirabad and Chandrawal — have been operating below capacity due to the reduced raw water supply. The Wazirabad plant has seen production drop by approximately 35 per cent, while the Chandrawal plant’s output has fallen by 10-15 per cent .
Overall, there is a shortfall of about 90 million gallons per day (MGD) against the expected production of 990 MGD of treated water, according to DJB officials .
Areas facing acute shortage
Among the worst-affected areas are Patel Nagar J Block, West Patel Nagar, parts of Dwarka, Paschim Vihar, Ramesh Enclave, Sudarshan Park, and several colonies in north, northwest and central Delhi .
Residents of Bhagirathi Vihar in northeast Delhi reported that supply has remained erratic for almost a week, while in Dakshinpuri, locals alleged water supply has been disrupted for nearly 15 days .
In Shastri Nagar, a resident recalled a complete disruption of water supply for 48 hours. “We just bought water for drinking and waited,” said Sushant Rai, a local resident .
Residents complain of inadequate tanker supply
With taps running dry, many families have turned to water tankers, but complaints of inadequate supply and unresponsive helplines have mounted.
Md Sattar Khan, a resident of Sangam Bihar G Block, said the DJB helpline was not responsive. “I had put up a tanker request yesterday but no solution was found. If DJB cannot provide us water, the least they can do is streamline regular deployment of tankers,” he told Hindustan Times .
Maya, 40, from Bijwasan, expressed frustration: “I have seven members in my family. How can we manage with a 20-litre water jar? Cooking and cleaning also need to be done properly.” Members of her family have skipped baths for days, she said .
The Delhi Jal Board currently operates around 1,000 tankers, which collectively supply only about 5-6 MGD — a fraction of the reduced supply of 90 MGD. Following a review by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the DJB has been directed to add another 100 tankers to its fleet .
Political blame game intensifies
The water crisis has sparked sharp political exchanges. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP-led Delhi government of “failing” to ensure adequate water supply and staged a ‘matka-phod’ (clay pot smashing) protest outside the DJB office in Mayur Vihar Phase 2 .
AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the government underreported the extent of the crisis to the Prime Minister’s Office, claiming that while the government informed the PMO that only 10-11 per cent of Delhi was affected, nearly 30-40 per cent of the city was struggling with inadequate water supply .
“We need an additional 250 cusecs of water. If this is provided, the current crisis could be significantly alleviated,” a DJB official had earlier told The Week .
Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh has not yet issued a public statement on the crisis, though the Delhi government has confirmed that discussions with Haryana are ongoing to secure additional raw water supply .
