Delhi water crisis: Government deploys officers in each zone to tackle situation

In response to the ongoing water crisis gripping the city, the Delhi Government has announced the deployment of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) and Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) level officers in each zone. Alongside them, teams comprising Tehsildars and other officials will form a 'Quick Response Team' tasked with providing water tankers and addressing water-related complaints.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi has instructed the Chief Secretary to ensure that these teams closely monitor and inspect the primary water distribution network. Their responsibilities span from water sources to treatment plants and from there to primary Underground Reservoirs (UGRs). The aim is to promptly detect and repair any leaks within a 12-hour window, ensuring not a single drop of water is wasted during this critical period.

"At this time of water shortage, not a single drop of water can be wasted," remarked Atishi in a letter to the Chief Secretary, referencing a meeting held on May 30, 2024. "ADM/SDM level officers would be deployed in each Zone, along with a team of Tehsildars and other officials who will act as a 'Quick Response Team' for provision of water tankers and resolution of water-related complaints."

Despite these measures, residents in various parts of Delhi continue to face water shortages, relying on water tankers for their supply. The situation has led to long queues in affected areas as residents wait to collect water from these tankers.

A contentious debate has emerged between Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena and the AAP government over the responsibility for the water crisis. While the AAP government attributes the shortage to the BJP-led Haryana government's failure to supply Delhi's due share of water, the Lieutenant-Governor denies these claims.

Following a phone conversation with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday, Saxena issued a statement asserting that the neighboring state has been releasing water into the Yamuna River for Delhi through the Munak canal as per the city's allocated share. He further implicated the Delhi government in the crisis, alleging that the shortage stems from water theft by the tanker mafia in collusion with the ruling AAP.

The water crisis in Delhi remains a pressing concern, with both governmental and environmental factors contributing to the challenge. As tensions rise and temperatures soar, the city's residents are left hoping for swift and effective solutions to alleviate the water scarcity plaguing their daily lives.