As the national capital reels under intense summer heat, Delhi is now grappling with a fresh crisis a major disruption in its water supply system. Two of the city’s primary water treatment plants, Wazirabad and Chandrawal, have scaled down operations following a significant drop in raw water availability, according to officials from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) on Friday.
The Wazirabad pond, which serves as a crucial raw water source for the Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Okhla treatment plants, has seen its water level plummet to 668.70 feet, well below the normal level of 674.50 feet. This alarming dip has directly impacted the production capacity of potable water across Delhi.
Production Falls by Up to 30%, City’s Supply Severely Affected
The DJB has stated that the decline in pond levels is making it increasingly difficult to sustain the required raw water intake for both the Wazirabad and Chandrawal Water Treatment Plants (WTPs). “It is getting difficult to maintain the required raw water supply to Wazirabad and Chandrawal WTP and consequently curtailment in production of potable water. This situation affecting the production approximately by 25-30 per cent of potable water at both,” the DJB noted in a statement issued via news agency PTI.
Under normal conditions, the Wazirabad plant produces around 131 million gallons per day (MGD) while Chandrawal contributes nearly 94 MGD. With the current reductions, Delhi is now facing a daily shortfall of nearly 70-100 MGD, a significant dent in its already strained water supply network.
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According to the latest Economic Survey, Delhi’s total water requirement stands at approximately 1,290 MGD. However, DJB’s current production including tubewell extractions ranges between 990 and 1,000 MGD. This mismatch between demand and supply is particularly concerning as temperatures soar, driving consumption even higher.
Intense Heat Hits Delhi With Water Crisis
The water scarcity is expected to hit several prominent localities across the city. Among the worst-affected areas are South Extension, Greater Kailash, Jahangirpuri, Moolchand, Majnu Ka Tila, Kashmere Gate ISBT, NDMC areas, ITO, Defence Colony, CGO Complex, Rajghat, WHO office, Ramleela Ground, and Delhi Gate.
In addition, Civil Lines, Hindu Rao Hospital, Kamla Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Karol Bagh, Pahar Ganj, parts of the NDMC zone, Cantonment, and adjoining regions are also likely to experience disrupted water supply in the coming days.
The DJB has urged citizens to adopt strict water conservation measures. “The public is advised to make judicious use of water. Water tankers shall be available on demand from the DJB helpline 1916,” the statement emphasized.
As of now, there is no official estimate on when water levels might stabilize or when treatment plants will resume normal operations.
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