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Delhi Swelters: Water Crisis Worsens Amidst Heatwave
23 May
Summary
- Delhi recorded 43.3°C max temp, with a forecast of 44-46°C.
- Water supply issues plague several Delhi areas amidst rising demand.
- Ammonia levels in Yamuna disrupt water treatment plant operations.
Delhi is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with the Safdarjung base station recording a maximum temperature of 43.3°C on Friday. Forecasts indicate temperatures may climb between 44°C and 46°C from May 24th to 28th, impacting the wider region including Haryana and Chandigarh.
Simultaneously, the city is facing a significant water shortage. Residents in Vasant Vihar, Dwarka, Moti Bagh, and parts of north Delhi have reported inconsistent water supply and low pressure. Daily water demand, which peaks at nearly 1,250 million gallons per day (MGD), is struggling to be met by the average supply of around 1,000 MGD, a gap that widens during heatwave conditions.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has deployed approximately 1,000 water tankers, conducting around 6,500 rounds daily to mitigate the shortage. However, contingency plans have faced setbacks, including disruptions at the Wazirabad water treatment plant due to elevated ammonia levels in the Yamuna River, affecting raw water quality.
