The ongoing water supply disruption in Delhi has worsened as ammonia levels in the Yamuna River soar, forcing multiple treatment plants to scale back operations. With critical parts of the city facing severe shortages, the political fallout is also intensifying.
On Monday, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) reported that ammonia levels at the Wazirabad Barrage had reached a staggering 5 parts per million (ppm), well above the treatable threshold of 0.9ppm. This spike in ammonia, a common pollutant from industrial effluents, has compounded the already dire water supply situation in the northern and central parts of the capital.
Worsening Situation at Water Treatment Plants
As ammonia levels in the Yamuna continue to rise, Delhi’s water treatment infrastructure is being stretched to its limits. According to the DJB, five out of the city’s nine water treatment plants are now facing limited capacity due to the heightened pollutant levels. The Wazirabad plant, a key source of drinking water, has been hit the hardest.
Local authorities have acknowledged that the contamination is primarily caused by the high levels of ammonia, which makes water treatment more complex and less effective. In response, the DJB has been diverting water from alternative sources, but these efforts have proven insufficient in meeting the city’s growing demand.
The limited supply from these treatment plants is now causing widespread shortages, with several areas facing a sharp decline in water pressure. Many residents are left with no choice but to rely on water tankers or wait for long hours to access clean water.
Impact on Daily Life
Residents in the affected areas have expressed growing frustration. In parts of North and Central Delhi, people have been struggling to manage daily activities due to the lack of water. Public services, businesses, and households alike are feeling the impact.
“Water tankers are not reaching us regularly, and when they do, the water is still not enough for everyone,” said Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Karol Bagh. “We’ve never seen a shortage like this before, and it’s only getting worse.”
Schools and hospitals are also facing challenges, with some institutions having to resort to alternative water sources. The disruption has led to a surge in demand for bottled water and private water delivery services, adding to the financial burden on residents already coping with a high cost of living.
Political Blame Game Escalates
As the water crisis deepens, the political blame game between Delhi’s ruling AAP and the opposition BJP has intensified. The AAP has accused neighboring Haryana of contributing to the pollution in the Yamuna, citing industrial discharge from factories in the state as a major cause of the ammonia spike.
On the other hand, the BJP has placed the blame squarely on the Delhi government, accusing them of poor management and lack of preparedness for such environmental challenges. The rivalry between the two parties has only added to the confusion, with both sides trading barbs over who is responsible for the crisis.
The DJB has, however, urged both state governments to work together in addressing the pollution and contamination of the Yamuna. “It’s a shared responsibility,” a DJB official said. “We cannot solve this issue alone, and cooperation is essential.”
The Environmental Toll
Beyond the immediate water supply issue, the ammonia spike in the Yamuna is also highlighting the environmental degradation of one of India’s most important rivers. The Yamuna, which flows through Delhi and several states, has long been plagued by pollution, but this recent surge in ammonia levels is considered one of the most severe in recent years.
Experts warn that the pollution poses significant risks to both the environment and public health. Ammonia is toxic in high concentrations, and prolonged exposure to contaminated water can lead to serious health issues, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, the rising pollution levels are putting stress on the aquatic ecosystem of the river, which supports a variety of plant and animal life.
Authorities Continue to Monitor the Crisis
In light of the ongoing situation, Delhi authorities are constantly monitoring ammonia levels in the river and adjusting water production accordingly. The DJB has said that it is exploring all possible solutions, including the treatment of water with advanced filtration technologies. However, experts note that these solutions are costly and may take time to implement on a large scale.
Residents, for their part, are urged to remain patient while the authorities work to resolve the crisis. However, with the situation expected to last for at least a few more days, many are growing increasingly worried about the long-term implications for water security in the capital.
