Delhi’s summer woes: Water crisis looms over city even as power need peaks

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia accused the Haryana government on Tuesday of releasing less water to the city — about 80 million gallons less than its share of 820 MGD.

The national capital’s summer scourges have returned — power outages, a festering row over water with Haryana, and the Celsius almost touching the 45-degree mark.

Residents of north and central Delhi are likely to face water shortage on Wednesday because of the reduced supply, officials warned. (REUTERS File Photo)

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia accused the Haryana government on Tuesday of releasing less water to the city — about 80 million gallons less than its share of 820 MGD.

“Delhi water crisis still not resolved. Water being stopped despite court order. I have directed DJB to file contempt petition in HC,” Sisodia tweeted .

Residents of north and central Delhi are likely to face water shortage on Wednesday because of the reduced supply, officials warned.

Sisodia said water supply would be regulated even in VIP areas such as the Lutyens’s zone.

However, a late-evening Delhi government update said the supply will be normal by Wednesday afternoon.

To make matters more uncomfortable, people faced power cuts in several areas, including upscale neighbourhoods in south Delhi.

Blackouts are common during summers as air-conditioners and coolers increase the city’s electricity load and trigger local faults in the supply network that has a history of breakdowns.

The demand for electricity touched 6,021MW on Tuesday, the highest this year.

Officials of power distribution companies said there was no supply deficit and arrangements have been made for 6,600MW of electricity. Last year, the peak demand was 6,261MW on June 30.

But the demand this summer has peaked early because of rising mercury.

Tuesday was a litter cooler at 41.4 degrees Celsius than the previous day’s 44.4 — the hottest May day since 2015.