Delhi: People wait hours in queue amidst the water shortage struggle

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People are standing in long lines to get water from tankers in various parts of the capital city of India, which is experiencing a serious water shortage. People can be seen waiting in large lines in Chilla Gaon, which is part of Mayur Vihar Phase 1, despite the water issue. Tankers are used to deliver water to the populace. Residents were observed gathering water for their daily needs in buckets and plastic canisters at Chanakyapuri as well. Tankers in the region are supplying the local population with water. Residents of Geeta Colony were also observed gathering water from the tanker in a similar circumstance. The locals discussed their struggles during the water crisis in an interview with ANI.

A resident named AP Singh, who had reached to collect water said, "We have to take water from the tanker every day. We face a lot of difficulty due to the crisis. We have to go to work in the morning and the water tanker also comes in the morning. Currently, the situation in Delhi is such that even if we want to purchase the water, it is not available. Only one water tanker comes in the morning... And not all the people are able to get the water..." Another resident Shiv, said, "I have seven members in my family and I don't even have a tap in my home. Because of the summers, the usage of water is higher and today, I was only able to fill 3-4 bottles." He added further, "The water is used for drinking and cooking purposes. One tanker comes in the morning. My request to the government is that another tanker should also come in the evening so that the issues of people are solved." Shabbo Khatoon also reiterated the use of water for cooking and drinking purposes and said, "I filled water but I didn't get much. Because of the summers, the use of water is more. I have small kids In my family also so the use of water is more..."

Speaking on the water crisis in Delhi, Water Minister Atishi stated, "Because of the heatwave, water demand has increased and on the other hand, the water level in Yamuna has decreased. Last year, there was 674.5 ft of water in the Wazirabad pond... Despite so many requests, only 671 ft of water has been released... All water treatment plants are being affected due to low levels of water in the Wazirabad barrage... We have requested Haryana and UP government to release more water."

The Delhi government petitioned the Supreme Court on May 31 to obtain more water from adjacent Haryana right now. In its plea, the Delhi government stated that it is compelled to file the petition due to the serious water shortage that the citizens of Delhi are currently experiencing, which was brought on by the continuing extreme heat waves in North India, especially in Delhi. "Direct the Respondent no. 1 (Haryana) for immediate and continuous release of water at the Wazirabad barrage," the plea stated.

The Delhi administration said on May 30 that a central control room will be set up to oversee the water supply throughout the nation's capital in light of the subsequent water crisis.
An IAS officer will be in charge of the war room. Water Minister of Delhi, Atishi, also disclosed the number '1916', which the locals can use to ask for water trucks.

Notably, even after "so many talks," the Delhi government has accused the Haryana government of withholding Delhi's water share. She added, "We will move to Supreme Court also," if the water supply does not improve in the next one to two days.

(With Inputs from ANI)