A significant rise in ammonia levels in the Yamuna River has plunged Delhi into a severe drinking water crisis. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has resorted to sourcing water from the Munak Canal due to high ammonia concentrations in the Wazirabad reservoir. This has led to a 5–10% reduction in water production at the Haiderpur, Bawana, and Dwarka water treatment plants.
Ammonia levels in the Wazirabad reservoir are reportedly multiple times higher than permissible limits, rendering it unfit for treatment as per potable water standards. This has caused disruptions in water supply across parts of North and New Delhi.
Affected Areas
- Haiderpur Plant: Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, Saraswati Vihar, Mangolpuri, Janakpuri, Tilak Nagar, Delhi Cantonment
- Bawana Plant: Sultanpur Dabas, Qutubgarh, Karala
- Dwarka Plant: Dwarka, IGI Airport, Najafgarh
The DJB has assured ongoing efforts to balance water supply. However, the problem persists until Yamuna’s pollution levels are brought under control. Meanwhile, demand for water tankers in the affected areas has surged.
