May 2025 – New Delhi: As temperatures soar across North India, Delhi is facing a severe water crisis, prompting the Supreme Court of India to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the Delhi and Haryana governments over Yamuna river water sharing. The capital city, already grappling with record-breaking heatwaves, is now battling a drinking water shortage that threatens daily life for millions.
⚖️ Supreme Court Intervention
In a special hearing held this week, the Supreme Court directed the Haryana government to ensure adequate and uninterrupted flow of Yamuna water to Delhi, at least temporarily, to ease the immediate crisis.
“This is not a political issue, it is a humanitarian one,” remarked the bench, calling for urgent cooperation between the two states.
The court's decision came after Delhi officials alleged that Haryana was deliberately withholding its share of water, while Haryana countered that it was facing its own supply constraints.
💧 What’s Causing the Crisis?
Several factors have led to Delhi’s acute water shortage:
🔥 1. Extreme Heatwave
Delhi has seen temperatures soaring past 47°C, increasing water demand exponentially.
🛑 2. Reduced Yamuna Water Flow
The primary source of Delhi's drinking water, the Yamuna River, has seen a drop in water levels, reportedly due to reduced upstream release by Haryana.
🏗️ 3. Infrastructure Limitations
Delhi’s aging pipeline infrastructure, water leakages, and lack of storage capacity have further exacerbated the issue.
📍 Affected Areas
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South Delhi: Long water queues and tanker dependency
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East Delhi: Low pressure or no supply in multiple colonies
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Slum Clusters & Unauthorized Colonies: Most severely hit due to lack of access to piped water
🧑⚖️ Political Blame Game
The issue has escalated politically, with leaders from Delhi's AAP government accusing Haryana’s BJP-led administration of withholding water for political reasons, while Haryana maintains that it has fulfilled its legal water-sharing obligations.
The Supreme Court has now ordered both sides to submit detailed affidavits and scheduled a follow-up hearing next week.
🌊 Legal Background: The Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement
The 1994 interstate water agreement mandates fixed water sharing between:
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Uttarakhand
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Himachal Pradesh
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Haryana
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Delhi
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Rajasthan
Delhi’s share is approximately 724 cusecs, but recent reports suggest that only a fraction is reaching the capital.
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🚰 What’s Being Done?
The Delhi government has:
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Deployed over 1,200 water tankers
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Imposed restrictions on car washes and water-intensive activities
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Requested emergency supply boosts from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has urged both states to work together to “prevent suffering of the public” and hinted at possible interstate penalties if the issue isn’t resolved amicably.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
The Delhi water crisis is a stark reminder of India’s growing urban water stress amid rising temperatures and population growth. As the legal and political battle unfolds, it’s crucial to prioritize citizen welfare over politics and work towards long-term interstate water cooperation and sustainable water management.
📅 Updated: May 21, 2025
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