New Delhi, India – In the bustling heart of India’s capital, the summer of 2025 has brought with it more than just scorching temperatures — it has delivered a severe water crisis, straining the lives of millions. From middle-class colonies to informal settlements, residents are waking up earlier each day to collect a few buckets of water, if they’re lucky. The water shortage in Delhi is no longer a looming threat; it’s a daily reality, and the roots of this crisis go deeper than dry taps.
A City on the Brink
Delhi, with over 20 million residents, has long grappled with water scarcity. But this year, the situation has reached unprecedented levels. According to a recent report by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the city is currently facing a 30% shortfall in water supply. Demand stands at approximately 1,300 million gallons per day (MGD), while the supply hovers around 900 MGD.
In North Delhi’s Burari locality, a group of women gather near a DJB tanker parked beside a community ground. Among them is 42-year-old Savita, who says, “We come here at 4 a.m. every day and wait for hours. Sometimes the tanker doesn’t even show up.” For Savita and thousands like her, this has become the norm — not the exception.
Climate Change and Drying Rivers
Experts warn that climate change has accelerated the depletion of Delhi’s traditional water sources. The Yamuna River, once a lifeline for the city, is now a trickle of its former self. Satellite data from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shows that Delhi’s groundwater levels have dropped by an alarming 10–20 meters over the last decade.
Dr. Radhika Menon, an environmental scientist at TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute), attributes this to both erratic monsoons and unsustainable urban expansion. “Delhi’s rapid urbanization has replaced natural recharge zones with concrete. Combine that with rising temperatures and poor water management, and you have a perfect storm,” she explains.
In 2023, Delhi recorded only 68% of its average monsoon rainfall. This was followed by a near-drought winter. The result? Dried-up lakes, depleted aquifers, and failing borewells.
Policy Paralysis and Political Blame Game
While climate change plays a major role, the situation has been worsened by years of policy failure and bureaucratic inefficiency. A 2022 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report slammed the Delhi Jal Board for irregularities in water distribution projects and delay in setting up new treatment plants.
The tussle between the Delhi government and neighboring states over river water sharing has further intensified the crisis. The Munak Canal, which brings water from Haryana, has become a flashpoint. Delhi accuses Haryana of diverting water; Haryana, in turn, cites reduced availability and accuses Delhi of political theatrics.
“We’re constantly in litigation or negotiation with neighboring states. Meanwhile, the people suffer,” says a senior official at the DJB on condition of anonymity. “There’s no long-term strategy. Every year we’re just firefighting.”
Unequal Access: The Rich vs. The Rest
The crisis has also highlighted stark inequalities in water access. In South Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, gated communities rely on private water tankers costing ₹1,500 per 5,000 liters. But in unauthorized colonies like Sangam Vihar, residents survive on 20 liters per person per day — barely enough for basic hygiene.
A study by the Centre for Policy Research in 2024 revealed that nearly 30% of Delhi’s population lives in informal settlements, which receive less than 5% of piped water supply. The rest depend on tankers, illegal borewells, or expensive private water vendors.
“Water is becoming a commodity for the rich and a dream for the poor,” says Anjali Gupta, an urban planner. “This is not just a supply issue; it’s a social justice issue.”
Technological Fixes and the Recycling Debate
In the face of worsening shortages, some hope lies in technology. The Delhi government recently announced a plan to treat and reuse wastewater, with the goal of recycling 25% of used water by 2026. Pilot projects in East Delhi have shown promise — recycled water is now being used for landscaping and construction.
However, implementation remains sluggish. “Infrastructure is key,” says Rajat Arora, a civil engineer with an NGO working on water conservation. “Even with good intentions, without pipelines and treatment plants, these plans are only on paper.”
Rainwater harvesting, once touted as a panacea, has also seen limited success. Despite a 2001 law mandating such systems in all new buildings, compliance remains low. A 2023 audit found that only 28% of eligible buildings had functional harvesting systems.
Voices from the Ground
The most haunting stories come from those with no backup options. In East Delhi’s Khajoori Khas, 14-year-old Raju misses school twice a week to help his family fetch water. “Sometimes we walk 2–3 kilometers. My hands hurt from carrying the cans,” he says.
Hospitals, too, are feeling the pressure. At a government dispensary in West Delhi, staff say surgeries are being postponed due to water rationing. “We can’t maintain hygiene without a reliable supply,” says Dr. Alok Bansal.
Meanwhile, the private tanker mafia continues to thrive. “They know we have no choice,” says Mahesh, a shopkeeper in Dwarka. “They charge double in summers, and nobody stops them.”
Where Do We Go From Here?
Water experts agree that Delhi’s water crisis is not insurmountable — but it requires political will, citizen engagement, and regional cooperation.
Short-term measures like tanker supply can’t substitute long-term reforms. Reviving lakes, enforcing rainwater harvesting, fixing pipeline leakages (which reportedly waste 40% of water), and treating sewage for reuse are some of the immediate priorities.
Moreover, there is an urgent need to renegotiate inter-state water treaties with an eye on sustainability and equity. “Delhi can’t demand more water unless it shows it’s managing what it has effectively,” says Dr. Menon.
A Call for Accountability
As taps run dry and tempers flare, the question remains: who is accountable for this man-made crisis?
While citizens adapt with buckets and bottles, and officials exchange accusations, the summer sun continues its merciless rise — and Delhi thirsts for more than just water. It thirsts for foresight, fairness, and a functioning system.
