Delhi water crisis: Facing a severe water shortage in the midst of an intense heatwave, the Delhi government has petitioned the Supreme Court for additional water supply from neighbouring states Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
The national capital is grappling with sweltering temperatures, with maximum temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures at nearly 30 degrees Celsius, which is 2.8 degrees above normal.
In its plea, the Delhi government emphasised the urgent need for increased water supply to meet the rising demand. “Delhi’s need for water has increased in the scorching heat. It is everyone’s responsibility to fulfill the needs of the country’s capital,” the petition stated.
Several areas in Delhi, including Chanakyapuri’s Sanjay Camp and the Geeta Colony area, are among those severely affected by the water shortage. Residents in these neighbourhoods endure long queues in the blazing heat, often waiting in vain as water tankers fail to adequately serve the large populations.
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The water crisis has prompted the Delhi government to take several measures. On Wednesday, the AAP-led administration imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 for water wastage and deployed 200 teams to enforce this penalty. Residents will now face a Rs 2,000 fine for wasting water, including activities like washing cars with a hose, allowing water tanks to overflow, using domestic water for commercial purposes, and using drinking water at construction sites.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has also sought assistance from the BJP to address the deepening crisis.
The weather office has warned that heatwave conditions in the national capital of Delhi will persist for the next few days, advising residents to minimize exposure to heat and to stay hydrated.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Delhi’s request for additional water supply is awaited as the city continues to struggle with the dual challenges of extreme heat and water scarcity.
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