Having been forced to survive a severe water crisis, for the first time the residents of national Capital opted for alternative means to meet their requirement for water, and have also demanded that the Government prepare water contingency plan if such a situation were to arise again.
While some used borewell, tubewell and treated water supply from the parks, some stocked up water in their houses. Many even left the city for a few days and went to stay at the relatives and friends in other cities.
The Pioneer took stock of the grim situation and spoke to people around the city during the crisis.
“life without water is hard,” Sarita Yadav, resident of Subhash Nagar said. She said, “It was for the first time, I have seen such a water crisis in Delhi. The water, which we stored, is all finished. Now there is no water left. If there will be no regular water supply, the condition will be worse. Why doesn’t Government prepare any contingency plan before the crisisIJ Why does Government wake up late,” said Sarita.
Many people did not go to their offices due to non availability of water. The major areas affected due to the closure of plants are West Delhi, North-West, Central, South and parts of North Delhi.
Rajesh Dubey, who works in a private firm, said, “Many of my office colleagues had come to office without taking bath. There is no water at our houses. We get late for the office in the morning. It was kind of a humiliating situation for us.” Rajesh, who hails from South Delhi’s Neb Sarai area, demanded the Government to prepare backup plan for situation like this. “I ask the Government why there is no back up plan for the crisis situation like this. Why doesn’t the Government use existing water resources available in the cityIJ Why they are dependent on the other StatesIJ”
Another resident Somi Pradhan, from West Delhi’ Uttam Nagar area said that we are buying bottled water from the market for the past one week. “The Government should use existing water resources in Delhi. If they know, that Yamuna’s water is not sufficient for Delhi’s population, then they should work upon some alternative ideas to restore water in Delhi.”
With a total production of 820 MGD against the demand of 1,000 MGD of water in the peak summer months, Delhi always reels under water shortage. On February 19, the scenario tuned into a harrowing reality when agitating Jat protestors damaged Munak Canal extensively leading to stoppage of water supply in the capital city. For at least two weeks, the water woes of Delhiites could not be solved as Munak was badly damaged.