Facing an acute water shortage across the national capital, the Delhi government has called an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss measures to address the escalating crisis.
The high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat will be chaired by Water Minister Atishi and Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, with all senior officials including the Chief Secretary in attendance.
The move comes amid growing public anger over erratic and inadequate water supply that has forced residents in many areas to wait in long queues for hours for water tankers.
“We are facing a severe water crisis. Our locality has over 3,000-4,000 people, but the government sends only half the required number of tankers,” rued Vinay, a resident of Geeta Colony in East Delhi.
He added that even the limited tanker supply was being curtailed, while poorer families unable to afford bottled water had no choice but to consume unclean water, risking disease.
Similar tales of water woes emerged from other parts of the city as the blistering summer heat dramatically increased demand. Residents complained of repeatedly flagging the issue with local representatives, but to no avail.
Delhi’s water supply has become a political flashpoint, with Minister Atishi accusing neighboring Haryana of withholding the capital’s share of water despite multiple negotiations. She warned of moving the Supreme Court if supplies don’t improve in 1-2 days.
The crisis has also prompted the Delhi government to urge citizens to use water judiciously, threatening rationing and potential fines for excessive usage if the appeals go unheeded.
(Inputs from ANI)