Residents of several central Delhi neighbourhoods should expect less water in their taps and possibly a different taste from tonight. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has said the Upper Ganga Canal will stay closed from midnight of October 21 until midnight of November 8, and
supply in the affected areas may be reduced throughout this period.
The closure is for scheduled annual maintenance and repair work. As a result, the Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant (WTP) will be shut down. During these days, water will be supplied from the Yamuna River instead. The NDMC has warned that the taste of the water may vary because of the change in source. The civic body has also said that a reduction in supply is expected in the affected areas. This may continue until November 8.
The areas named in the notice include Bharti Nagar, Golf Links, Lodhi Estate, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, Bapa Nagar, Jor Bagh, B.K. Dutt Colony, Amrita Shergil Marg, Aliganj, Kidwai Nagar, Laxmibai Nagar, Kaka Nagar, The President’s Estate and the New PMO. The High Court area is also on the list.
Some localities will be hit only in parts. These are Lodhi Road, Pandara Road and Pandara Park, Lodhi Colony, Janpath and Prithviraj Road. The notice also lists three JJ camps. They are the camp near the Safdarjung flyover, the one near the Delhi Flying Club and the one at Bharti Nagar.
For residents, the practical question is what to do if the taps run dry or run low. The NDMC has asked people who need information on the operation of booster pumps to contact the concerned officials of its water supply wing. Those who need water tankers can contact the NDMC Control Room. The NDMC has expressed regret for the inconvenience and sought the cooperation of
residents during the maintenance period.
The notice does not say how much the supply will be cut or whether the reduction will be the same on all days. It also does not give timings for tanker services. Residents will have to check these details with control room or concerned officials. With the closure set to last 19 days, households in the listed areas will need to plan their water use until November 8.