Despite a large reservoir, taps run dry in Vasant Kunj

The colony which is at the tail end of the supply line faces acute water shortage despite several efforts to remedy the problem

Vasant Kunj, one of the most prominent addresses of the Capital, has failed to provide the most basic amenity to its residents — water. Scant water supply or dependance on tankers has been the case here since it was established in 1986 by the Delhi Development Authority. Some tube wells were installed later and an underground reservoir (UGR) was built in sector A. However, the problem continued to rise as other blocks were developed and the colony remained at the tail end of water supply.

All the five sectors here are facing water crisis. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

At present, all five sectors (A-E) have a reservoir each, which get their supply from Sonia Vihar treatment plant. Three years ago, authorities built a UGR with a capacity of 3.2 MGD in B 1 to supply water to the entire area. However, the locality remains parched every summer.

Residents claimed that the UGR in B 1 was set up with the intent to provide water to every household twice a day, but it never gets enough supply to fill up to capacity. “A number of unauthorised colonies have come up nearby, which, too, are supplied water from the same plant, leaving the taps dry in our colony,” said Aggarwal.

Besides adequate water supply, the residents complain that despite poor water supply they still have to pay hefty water bills.

“We have to book a tanker twice a week to meet the domestic needs. The daily supply is very low and the water comes for only half an hour during which everyone switches on their boosters,” said Amit Aggarwal, of Sector A.

Residents complained that they have to book tankers much in advance. Calls to DJB’s help-line — 1916 — do help register complaints for tankers, but it doesn’t respond for help. It takes days to have a tanker come to the colony.

MLA Naresh Yadav, who lives in D-7, said, “Since the colony lies at the tail end of water supply, the pressure is low. There are some technical issues with the UGR supply, DJB is looking to find a permanent solution. We don’t allow private tankers and water mafia to operate in the area.”