Endless Water Crisis in Vasant Kunj
A household’s basic need for water is unquestionable. This essential amenity is wreaking havoc in Vasant Kunj, one of the capital’s most prominent locations. Since the colony’s founding in the late 1980s, the water crisis has been a constant in Vasant Kunj, it forcing the use of tankers and borewells supplied by DDA.
Every home has two water tanks and two motors: one to draw water from the supply pipeline and store it in the tanks outside their homes, and the other to pump water from these tanks to the roof-top tank.
Originally, DDA constructed one 750 ml concrete tank on the roofs for every house in each sector. Later, ground tanks with a capacity of 2000 ml or more were self-built. However, the area remains parched at all times, despite there is the availability of water and the tanks are wide enough to hold it.
The Resident’s claim:
Massive complaints have been made and reported by the residents of Vasant Kunj to both DDA and Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
Vasant Kunj residents believe that a number of unlicensed colonies were established nearby, all of which receive water from the same plant in Sonia Vihar, leaving their colony’s taps empty. People also complain about having to pay exorbitant water bills, claiming that they do not receive enough amounts of water.
Are the authorities to be blamed entirely?
This is one side of the water conflict case, but the authorities are not entirely to be blamed. When water tanks overflow after being filled with water pumps, water is lost, and residents in such cases should be held accountable. Fungus thrives in the areas around the water tanks, which can lead to the formation of cracks. The overflowed water will damage groundwater directly or indirectly because the tanks are on the ground level.
Crisis calls for water prevention at home:
Officials cannot resolve such problems because they are not liable for the water waste caused by overflowing residential tanks. Such concerns are to be fixed by the people of Vasant Kunj only. Initiatives from their side can not only solve the water crisis but also prevent litres of water waste each day.
Big or small doesn’t matter because, in the end, every problem comes with a solution. In light of this bleak scenario, the following are the recommendations for water prevention:
The traditional water conservation/harvesting method: Overflowing tanks can be mitigated by constructing a water reservoir around them. The wastewater will be poured into the tank, and the water will be available for use. Water from the reservoir can also be used to water nearby plants and bushes.
- Not letting tanks overflow: In the event of an overflow, installing a water tank overflow alarm may be beneficial. Apart from the alert, a ballcock valve should be installed within the tanks to avoid overflow.
- Fixing of any water leaks as soon as possible: Water wastage is caused by broken pipes, faucets, and damaged toilet flushes, and repairing these would save a significant amount of water.
- Reuse of used/wastewater: Wastewater from cleaning, mopping and other household chores can be used to water plants or to flush toilets or some other useful ways.
- Use of buckets: Instead of taking long showers, take a bath in a bucket. Showers are considered a waste of water because they use a lot of water. Buckets, on the other hand, are pre-measuring and use less water.
To summarise, the current problems deserve attention, and the problem will be resolved if the above steps are taken into consideration. Every member of the Vasant Kunj household is requested to be cautious and responsible when it comes to water consumption.