New Delhi: The residents of South Extension Part II, an upscale neighbourhood, are grappling with a severe water crisis. The direct pipeline supply to the locality has been disrupted, and the water tanker service has reportedly been diverted. In response, the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) has decided to stage a protest outside the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) office if the water supply issues are not resolved promptly.
Offcial South Extension II Welfare Association, expressed the residents’ frustration “There are residents here who haven’t received water for 3-4 days. We get empty assurances from DJB officials about fixing pipeline problems. We used to get water tankers when requested, but lately it seems they have been rerouted to other areas. We prepare lists of houses facing problems and send them to DJB officials, but only a few get water.” The water shortage has severely impacted daily life, with residents of B, K, and G blocks being forced to purchase water twice a day. a resident of B block, shared her ordeal: “I wake up around 4 am daily to check for water in the taps. Usually disappointed, I start calling the DJB helpline to order a water tanker. We used to get water tankers earlier, but in the past few days, the tankers come just once every two-three days,” she lamented. “I am a senior citizen, but it seems DJB is not interested in helping me. Why do we pay taxes? Is it to have daily fights for basic requirements like water?”
Some residents have resorted to borewells, but the water is saline and unsuitable for washing machines and other appliances. a B block resident and Delhi University teacher, now relies on tanker water. “The authorities should consider how we can solve our drinking water problems when we have jobs to focus on. The piped supply has dried up, and the water tanker comes every two or three days. We buy two big bottles of water every day to manage our drinking water needs,” the resident said. RWA members revealed that in 2021, a separate 150mm diameter water pipeline was installed to augment water supply in South Extension B block. However, this has not provided a long-term solution to the inadequate water supply.
