The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) witnessed a marginal uptick in water production on Thursday, treating 984 million gallons per day (mgd) of water, as indicated by the water utility’s daily summer bulletin.
While this marks a slight improvement from previous days, the output remains below the targeted production of 1,000 mgd, leading to minor disruptions in water supply across select areas of north, northwest, and southwest Delhi, according to DJB officials. Despite the increase in water output, the DJB received 1,102 water-related complaints on Thursday, with 792 complaints attributed to zero water supply. In response, the water utility assured residents of efforts to rationalise raw water sources to mitigate acute shortages in specific areas.
However, the DJB emphasised that fluctuations in the Yamuna river’s water level are routine and influenced by various factors such as weather conditions, temperature, and precipitation in the catchment area. The decline in the water level at the Wazirabad barrage, a key water source for Delhi’s treatment plants, has been noted over the past few days, prompting concerns regarding water availability. Meanwhile, political tensions have escalated, with the BJP attributing the water shortage to alleged mismanagement and lack of preparedness by the Delhi Government. Despite assurances from the DJB regarding its readiness to address water supply challenges, the political discourse surrounding the issue persists.
In a statement, the DJB reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the water demands of Delhi residents and addressing any unforeseen challenges during the ongoing summer season. However, political stakeholders continue to engage in blame games, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to ensure uninterrupted water supply in the national capital.
As the DJB navigates operational challenges and political scrutiny, residents remain hopeful for sustainable solutions that prioritise efficient water management and infrastructure development to meet the city’s growing demands.