Why is Delhi facing a water crisis?

High ammonia levels in the Yamuna River and repair work on the Munak Canal have simultaneously disrupted water treatment plant operations.

Which water treatment plants are affected in Delhi?

The Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants are impacted by pollution, while Haiderpur, Dwarka, Bawana, and Nangloi face reduced raw water supply.

When will the Munak Canal repairs end?

The repair work on the Munak Canal is expected to be completed by February 4, 2026.

Home / Environment / Delhi Faces Water Crisis Amid Plant Shutdowns

Delhi Faces Water Crisis Amid Plant Shutdowns

23 Jan

•

Summary

High ammonia levels in Yamuna forced two plants to stop.
Munak Canal repairs reduced raw water to four treatment facilities.
Critical plants shut down, leading to a severe water supply deficit.

Delhi Faces Water Crisis Amid Plant Shutdowns

Delhi is experiencing a significant water crisis due to a confluence of two major issues impacting its water treatment facilities. Dangerously high ammonia levels in the Yamuna River have forced the closure of critical plants, including the large Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant which supplies 110 million gallons per day.

Compounding the problem, essential repair work on the Munak Canal in Haryana has halved the raw water supply to four other treatment plants: Haiderpur, Dwarka, Bawana, and Nangloi. This canal maintenance is expected to continue until February 4, 2026.

The combined effect of these disruptions has led to a severe deficit in the city's normal supply of approximately 1000 million gallons per day. Residents in north, northwest, west, southwest, and central Delhi are already facing dry taps and extremely low water pressure, with higher-elevation areas receiving no water.