Delhi water crisis: ADM, SDM level officers to be deployed in each Zone to monitor situation

NEW DELHI: In response to the ongoing water crisis in Delhi, the government has taken decisive action by deploying high-level officials to each zone. These teams, consisting of Additional District Magistrates, Sub Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, and other officials, will serve as 'Quick Response Teams' to ensure the efficient distribution of water tankers and promptly address water-related complaints from residents.
Delhi minister Atishi has instructed the Chief Secretary to oversee these teams as they monitor and inspect the main water distribution network, starting from the water sources and extending to the water treatment plants (WTPs) and primary Underground Reservoirs (UGRs). The teams are tasked with identifying and repairing any leaks in the major pipelines within a 12-hour timeframe, emphasizing the importance of conserving every drop of water during this period of scarcity.
"In the meeting held on 30.05.2024 regarding the issue of prevailing heat wave condition and rise in demand of water, it was decided that from 5th June onwards 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," Atishi said in her letter to the Chief Secretary.
Despite these efforts, many residents in various parts of Delhi continue to face water shortages, relying on water tankers to meet their daily needs. The situation has led to long queues in affected areas as people wait to collect water from these tankers.
The water crisis has also sparked a heated debate between Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena and the AAP government, with each side pointing fingers at the other. The AAP government attributes the water shortage to the BJP-ruled Haryana government, claiming that it has failed to provide Delhi with its rightful share of water. However, the LG refutes this accusation.
After a phone conversation with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday, Saxena released a statement asserting that Haryana has been releasing Delhi's allocated share of water into the Yamuna River via the Munak canal. The LG places the blame for the water crisis squarely on the Delhi government, alleging that the shortage is a result of the tanker mafia "stealing water [from the canal] in connivance with the ruling AAP".