Delhi govt appoints nodal officers to prevent water crisis this summer

In a bid to avert a water crisis in Delhi and address grievances efficiently during the summer months, the government will appoint nodal officers across four divisions, Water Minister Parvesh Verma announced on Friday.

These officers will be responsible for ensuring the swift resolution of complaints from MLAs and residents regarding water supply, Verma stated.

Discussing the government’s summer action plan, Verma highlighted that daily review meetings are being held to manage water shortages in critical areas. He stressed that preparations are being made in advance for regions experiencing acute water scarcity.

“Our summer action plan is ready. Meetings are conducted every two to three days to evaluate the situation, address complaints, and review our strategies,” he said.

He further outlined measures being taken to enhance water supply, including the installation of tube wells in areas where groundwater quality is good and levels are stable. Additionally, to meet the high demand for water tankers, the number of tankers and trips will be increased, with each tanker now having two drivers instead of one to improve efficiency.

Verma also criticised the previous administration for mismanagement of Delhi’s water supply system.

“The city’s water management had deteriorated significantly. Under the previous government, MLAs laid water pipelines in their respective areas based on personal interests. We have received several complaints about this,” he said.

To rectify these issues, the government is upgrading pipeline infrastructure to minimise leakages. A new distribution system is also being introduced to allocate water according to population size, ensuring fair and equal supply.

Verma added that funds have been allocated in the budget to repair leaks in Munak Canal, which transports water through an open, unlined channel. He argued that timely action by past governments could have improved the current situation.

“Our goal is to prevent water shortages in Delhi,” he asserted.

To monitor water distribution and prevent irregularities, GPS tracking has been implemented to oversee tanker trips.

“If a tanker is scheduled for nine trips but completes only seven, payments will be withheld,” Verma explained.

Also Read: From Haryana to Delhi: How the Munak Canal has become a dumping yard for the dead

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to both short-term and long-term solutions, including planned sewer line upgrades designed to last for the next 50 years.

“We are working with a positive approach and have allocated Rs 1 lakh crore for city development and improvements,” he concluded.

The government’s summer action plan aims to mitigate water crises and ensure a steady supply across Delhi through enhanced planning and monitoring mechanisms, Verma added.

(With inputs from PTI)