New borewells to meet Dwarka’s water needs

The DDA also informed the court of Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice Jayant Nath that even though a pipeline network and five master tanks existed in Dwarka, the infrastructure could not be used since there was not enough water supply. The requirement of water in Dwarka is over 12 MGD (million gallons per day), but current supply is around 3.5 MGD.

Taking note of the acute water shortage, the High Court expressed concern that interstate political disputes were depriving people of water supply. The court had in 2012 directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to ensure water supply to the sub-city, but interstate disputes over water-sharing have stalled supply to the treatment and distribution infrastructure.

“What can the Delhi High Court do? The Munak canal issue and the Giri river dam issue have not been resolved,” the court said, while hearing a plea by Dwarka residents. In its plea, residents sought directions to the DJB to ensure supply to the sub-city by distributing water “equally to all Delhi colonies”. During arguments, the counsel for Dwarka residents sought directions to transfer water through pipelines from other parts of the city, which was opposed by the DJB on grounds that there was no excess supply which could be diverted.

The forum has also sought orders to the DDA to “hand over the water infrastructure and distribution” to the DJB. “There is no water supply through pipelines except in the DDA colonies…,” the counsel said.