Finite supply, rising demand: Is Delhi facing a water crisis?

Delhi faces water shortages due to a heatwave, low Yamuna River levels, and high demand. Government measures include rationalizing supply timings.

A heatwave and surging water demand have led to supply shortages and reduced supply pressure in various parts of India’s capital over the last 10 days, prompting the government to announce measures such as rationalising supply timings and enforcing fines for wastage.

People queue up to fill water from a DJB tanker New Ashok Nagar, Delhi, on Friday. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

A look at the scale of the problem, the factors behind it and what to expect:

How does Delhi get its water?

Delhi depends on neighbouring states to meet around 86.5% of its drinking water supply. The Yamuna,