Delhi will face a water shortage if it doesn’t rain soon, says Haryana

Delhi was also accused of "mismanaging" its water share and officials in Haryana alleged that Delhi has been lifting more water at Wazirabad and Chandrawal than it is permitted to

Haryana on Saturday cautioned that unless it rains in the next few days, both Delhi and Haryana will be staring at an acute water crisis. Haryana Administration officials said the State is already reeling under a severe water crisis but is still ensuring that Delhi gets its share of water.

The officials also alleged that Delhi has been lifting more water at Wazirabad and Chandrawal than it is permitted to. A senior official said Delhi has been lifting as much as 20 million gallons a day (MGD) to 30 MGD of additional water despite the fact the Haryana is giving away its own share to ensure Delhi gets water.

The official said Haryana had curtailed its share from the Bhakra-Beas by 20 per cent and that its share from the Yamuna has been reduced to one-tenth because it is supplying more water to Delhi. Apart from the drinking needs, Haryana requires water for irrigation at this point in time.

The official said poor rains this year have caused a huge drop in the water supply at Tajewala. Citing the figures, he said in July 2011 the water at Tajewala was 19,660 cusec, which fell to 3,342 cusec in 2012.

Delhi was also accused of “mismanaging” its water share. The official said Delhi gets about 20 litres per adult per day, which is a very sufficient, but because of distribution mismanagement and high loss levels, Delhi complains of inadequate water supply.

The official said it has proof that Delhi has been consistently lifting more water than what is its share. Citing examples, the official said in June, Delhi has been lifting more water than the permitted 210 cusec — on June 19 it lifted 230 cusec, on June 20 it was 224 cusec and so on.

Haryana has asked Delhi to use water judiciously, given the water supply has dipped considerably at Tajewala.