In the heart of Delhi, residents of Sangam Vihar are grappling with severe water scarcity exacerbated by the monopolistic control of private tanker operators, revealing systemic challenges in urban water management.
A long-time resident of Sangam Vihar’s K-2 block, narrates his struggle as he navigates the sweltering summer months reliant solely on private tanker deliveries for water. Like many in this densely populated, unauthorized settlement, the residents household depends on costly tanker water, spending an average of Rs 12,000 monthly during peak summer periods to meet basic needs.
The scarcity is not just a matter of inconvenience but a significant financial burden for residents. Another resident from nearby L-1 block highlights the dire situation, citing the inadequacy of DJB’s tanker services, which fail to meet even 10% of local demand, allegedly due to collusion between tanker mafias and local officials.
The prevalent narrative among Sangam Vihar’s inhabitants underscores a stark reality: while some can afford regular tanker deliveries, many, like Mohammad Arman from J-3 block, resort to storing water from sporadic tubewell supplies, rationing their usage meticulously to cope with scarcity.
A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) sheds light on the stark disparity between demand and supply, revealing that Sangam Vihar receives only a third of the standard urban water allocation prescribed by the central government. This inadequacy forces residents to depend heavily on expensive tanker water, perpetuating the dominance of the tanker mafia in the local economy.
Investigations by independent sources corroborate allegations of illicit borewell operations supporting the tanker trade, facilitated through political connections and administrative complacency. Despite community efforts and sporadic government interventions, the systemic challenges persist, leaving Sangam Vihar residents caught in a cycle of dependency and exploitation.
As voices from the community grow louder, demanding sustainable solutions and equitable access to water resources, the plight of Sangam Vihar serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in urban water management policies and practices.
The unfolding crisis underscores the imperative for transparent governance and robust regulatory frameworks to combat monopolistic practices, ensuring that every resident of Delhi can access essential water services without undue hardship or exploitation.
