In a concerning development, the water level in Wazirabad Pond, a crucial source of Delhi’s drinking water, has dwindled significantly, exacerbating the water scarcity in the national capital.
Water Minister Atishi made this revelation during an urgent announcement on Saturday.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government promptly convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating situation, where Atishi disclosed the dire state of affairs.
She underscored that not only has Wazirabad Pond nearly dried up, but there is also an acute shortage in the Munak Canal, compounding Delhi’s water woes.
In response to the crisis, Delhi legislators have sought the intervention of Union Water Resources Minister C R Patil.
Atishi emphasized that the severe deficits in both Wazirabad Pond and the Munak Canal have significantly curtailed the production of potable water at the city’s treatment facilities.
Recent data provided by Atishi revealed a notable decline in water production.
Instead of producing the expected 1,005 million gallons per day (mgd) on 14 June, the output was only 932 mgd, indicating a shortfall exceeding 70 mgd.
Residents across various parts of Delhi are keenly feeling the repercussions of this water scarcity, facing acute shortages.
In response, the government has initiated emergency measures such as drilling borewells and deploying water tankers to alleviate the crisis.
Long queues and desperate waits for tankers under the scorching sun have become commonplace in affected areas.
AAP MLA Dilip Pandey Urges Federal Intervention
In a bid to address the underlying issues exacerbating the crisis, AAP MLA Dilip Pandey penned a letter to C R Patil, alleging political maneuvers by the Haryana government and highlighting illegal mining near Burari on the Uttar Pradesh border.
Pandey stressed that these issues involve multiple states, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, necessitating federal intervention to resolve inter-state water disputes promptly.
Expressing urgency, Pandey requested an immediate meeting with the Union Minister to discuss viable solutions, asserting that the plight of Delhi’s residents should not be exploited for political gain.
“The situation demands swift action, not political gamesmanship,” Pandey lamented, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of Delhi’s populace amid this critical water shortage.
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