Explained: Why Delhi Is Preparing To Recharge Ground Water Levels

The Delhi Jal Board has come under flak after several residents in the capital reported that they have not received any response from the authority despite repeated complaints against the shortage to no water supply in certain areas, delay in the arrival of water tanks and other quality related issues.

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Earlier this week, the Delhi Jal Board issued a notice to rationalise the water supply in the city, providing water at a low pressure in response to the severe water shortage in the city as the mercury sets higher and no visible sign of relief.

What is the Shortage?

According to estimates, Delhi has been facing a shortfall of around 100 MGD (million gallons a day) for several days. Out of the total 1200 MGD of water that is required in the city, the DJB relies on the Yamuna River for around 389 MGD i.e., 40% of the total requirement.

What are the city¡¯s water sources?

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Apart from the Yamuna, the DJB is dependent upon the water supplies in Carrier Lined Canal (CLC) and the Delhi Sub Branch (DSB) from the Hathni Kund through Haryana¡¯s Munak Canal and Bhakra Beas Management Board for a supply of 368 and 177 MGD of water respectively.

An additional 253 MGD of water is received from Uttar Pradesh through the Upper Ganga Canal while the remaining 90 MGD is drawn from ground wells and other streams across the city

Why this shortage?

The city relies extensively on Yamuna for its share of water supply which has been curtailed due to depletion of water in the Wazirabad pond. The levels in the Yamuna near the Wazirabad pond reached levels as low as 667.5 ft (above sea level) against the normal 674.5 ft. With dwindling supply and only six inches of water available in the reservoir that feeds key water treatment plants like Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla Water Treatment Plants, these plants are unable to draw raw water and supply appropriately.

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The Delhi government has also alleged that the Haryana government has reduced the release of raw water in the Yamuna River, while Haryana has maintained that it is continually releasing the water as per the quota allocated to the capital.

Further, the state government adds that the supplies in the CLC and DSB are not sustained either.

Why is the Yamuna getting drier?

The Northern part of the country is suffering an unprecedented heat wave over the past few months and is witnessing the lowest rainfall in years, with a rainfall deficit of around 63% from March to May.

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Since the crucial Wazirabad pond is depleting, the river water from other areas has also been diverted to the pond, changing streams and water levels adversely.

What is being done to mitigate the shortage?

With monsoon season coming through after the delay, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met Lieutenant Governor Vinay Saxena to recharge pits, convert dysfunctional tube wells into water recharging and retention pits, in order to recharge the groundwater capacity. The DJB is also aiming to install RO plants at different locations in the city apart from the increased groundwater withdrawal.

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