Haryana sending ‘less’ water to Capital, Delhi may face major supply woes

While the capital is supposed to get 820 MGD of water, it is now getting 770 MGD. Delhi Jal Board officials say this disruption of water supply can result in a major water shortage.

The water supply from Haryana to the capital has been reduced, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Monday.

While the capital is supposed to get 820 MGD of water, it is now getting 770 MGD. Delhi Jal Board officials say this disruption of water supply can result in a major water shortage. (Hindustan Times)

Sisodia, who took to Twitter on Monday night, said he has asked the Delhi chief secretary to talk to his Haryana counterpart and ensure full water supply.

Delhi Jal Board officials say this disruption of water supply can result in a major water shortage.

“The release of water to Delhi through the Yamuna has been decreased by Haryana since May 8, 2017. We are getting 50 million gallons per day (MGD) water less than what we are supposed to get. If this is not fixed soon, there might be a major water shortage in the city,” a senior DJB official told Hindustan Times.

While the capital is supposed to get 820 MGD of water, it is now getting 770 MGD.

According to him, water supply has been partially affected in some areas of the city, especially north Delhi, as the Wazirabad treatment plant’s operations have been disrupted.

Every summer, Delhi faces shortage of water and engages in a tussle with Haryana. Both states cite their annual requirements and claim the other is demanding beyond the stipulated supply.

The Supreme Court, in a 1996 order, had asked Haryana to ensure that the Jal Board’s treatment plants at Wazirabad and Haiderpur are full throughout the year so that the capital meets its drinking water demand. The Jal Board uses water from the Wazirabad barrage for the two water treatment plants at Wazirabad and Chandrawal.

The DJB distributes 900MGD of water in Delhi. Out of this, 543 MGD (almost 60 per cent) comes from Haryana and around 240 MGD from Uttar Pradesh through Upper Ganga Canal.