Explained: The crisis of drinking water in Delhi due to the boom of Yamuna

Delhi is facing a severe water crisis as the water level of the Yamuna river continues to rise, leading to shutdown of water treatment plants and possible disruption of the city’s water supply. The rising water level in the Yamuna has flooded the surrounding areas, causing hardships to the residents. As the situation worsened, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for immediate intervention and requested the release of water from Hathinikund Barrage in Haryana to ease the crisis. This article provides a detailed description of the current situation, government actions and possible consequences.

Rising level of Yamuna and closure of water treatment plant:

The Yamuna river in Delhi reached a staggering height of 208.48 meters on Thursday morning, surpassing the previous record. The rising water level has resulted in inundation of nearby roads and infrastructure, severely affecting residents living close to the river. As a result, water treatment plants at Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla have been temporarily closed due to the extreme situation. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal highlighted the possible impact on water supply and assured that the plants would resume work once the Yamuna receded.

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Government response and emergency measures:

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has called a special meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to discuss the flood situation in the city. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will also attend the meeting as the Vice President of DDMA. The purpose of imposing Section 144 CrPC in flood prone areas is to prevent unlawful assembly and ensure public safety.

Kejriwal appeals for help:

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged the central government to intervene immediately to deal with the flood crisis. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kejriwal requested the controlled release of water from Hathinikund Barrage in Haryana. He stressed the need to protect the prestige of the capital, especially in view of the upcoming G20 summit. Kejriwal stressed on collective responsibility for the safety of the people of Delhi during this emergency and appealed for help.

Historical Floods and Concerns:

Delhi has experienced major floods in the past, causing considerable damage and disruption. As seen from the data between 1963 and 2010, the increasing trend of September floods raises concerns about the current situation. The absence of dams on the Yamuna River and unutilized monsoon flow contribute to recurring floods during the season.

Meteorological Forecast and Potential Risks:

The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, raising concerns about further rise in water levels. The recent heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana have resulted in overflowing rivers and damage to infrastructure. Delhi received the highest rainfall in July since 1982, making the flood situation grim.

Impact on water supply and vulnerable areas:

The closure of water treatment plants due to the rising level of the Yamuna has threatened the city’s water supply. Low-lying areas near the river, home to about 41,000 people, are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Despite the efforts of the authorities, the floodplain of the river has been encroached upon over the years. As identified in a study by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the North-East, East, Central and South-East districts of Delhi are most affected by floods.

The increasing flood situation caused by the overflowing Yamuna river has led to the closure of water treatment plants in Delhi, affecting the city’s water supply. The government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken proactive steps to deal with the crisis and sought immediate assistance from the central government. It is important for residents to prioritize their safety and cooperate with authorities during this challenging time. The situation calls for prompt action, coordination and long-term measures to prevent future floods and safeguard the well-being of the residents of Delhi.