Delhi’s Bawana area witnessed severe inundation following a breach in the Munak canal, which carries vital water supply from Haryana to the national capital. The breach, occurring between midnight and 2 am on Thursday, led to knee-deep waterlogging in parts of the J, K, and L blocks of JJ colony, exacerbating Delhi’s ongoing water crisis.
The incident unfolded amidst heightened concerns over Delhi’s water supply, triggering urgent responses from local authorities. Delhi Water Minister Atishi confirmed that repair efforts were underway to address the breach, with completion expected by Thursday night. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Haryana Irrigation Department to mitigate the impact on affected residents. In response to safety concerns, electricity supply in flooded areas was promptly halted to avert potential risks of electrocution. Additionally, mobile pumps were deployed to alleviate water accumulation in Bawana, underscoring the coordinated efforts between local authorities to manage the crisis effectively.
“Water production from key treatment plants like Bawana, Nangloi, and Hyderpur is set to normalize by Thursday evening,” Atishi assured, emphasizing ongoing challenges at the Dwarka plant, which heavily relies on the Munak canal and will likely remain affected until Friday evening. The breach, originating from a sub-branch of the Munak canal near Haryana’s Karnal district, underscored vulnerabilities in Delhi’s infrastructure amid changing environmental dynamics. It also reignited debates on the necessity for robust maintenance and monitoring protocols for critical water supply routes.
Political ramifications ensued as the incident coincided with Delhi’s existing water scarcity issues, prompting scrutiny over long-term infrastructure planning and disaster preparedness. The episode highlighted the need for sustainable water management practices and preemptive measures to safeguard against similar crises in the future.