This World Environment Day, Outlook looks at the water crisis that Delhi has begun grappling with as summer sets in. In Delhi's Lal Kuan, water has been a major concern despite residents regularly complaining to the Jal Board. The number of tankers is limited — when four are expected, only two arrive — leading to fights in the neighbourhood. When water becomes too scarce, residents have to arrange for private water tankers that cost around ₹1200–1300. A tanker serves a family for only 3–4 days, depending on the family size — sometimes even less.
Water comes only once a week or every ten days, and it is not always clean. Women often use their dupattas to filter it.
In Shastri Park, water does not come through the pipeline at all; people have to rely on motor pumps. The water that does come through the pipeline is often impure. Those unable to get water are forced to spend money on it — a basic necessity.
