Delhi’s water crisis

Source: Indian Express

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Context

• The Supreme Court has ordered Himachal Pradesh to release surplus water to Delhi, addressing the water shortage amid a heatwave and highlighting inter-state water sharing and water resource management issues.

Details

Key Points

• Inter-State Water Sharing:
  • The Supreme Court's intervention in the water sharing agreement among Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi.
• Water Resource Management:
  • Challenges in managing and distributing water resources in Delhi, including dependence on multiple rivers and the impact of weather conditions.
• Climate Change Impact:
  • The effect of prolonged heatwaves and scant rainfall on water availability in urban areas.
• Infrastructure and Capacity:
  • The functioning and capacity issues of Delhi's water treatment plants (WTPs) like Wazirabad.
• Legal and Policy Framework:
  • The role of the Supreme Court and water sharing agreements in resolving water disputes and ensuring equitable distribution.

About the Upper Yamuna River Board

Formation and Purpose:

• Established to regulate the water allocation from the Yamuna River among the riparian states including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

1994 Agreement:

• Manages the water sharing agreement that allocates water from the Yamuna to these states, with specific provisions for different seasons.

Allocation for Delhi:

• Ensures that Delhi receives 0.724 billion cubic metres annually, with 0.076 billion cubic metres allocated from March to June.

Dispute Resolution:

• Acts as a mediator to resolve disputes between states regarding water sharing and distribution.

Upcoming Revision:

• The current agreement is set for revision in 2025, which may involve re-evaluating allocations and addressing contemporary challenges.

​Sources:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the challenges and implications of inter-state water sharing in India with reference to the recent Supreme Court directive on water supply to Delhi.