India: Protests and disruptions related to ongoing water shortages continue in New Delhi as of June 14 /update 1

As of June 14, New Delhi is experiencing persistent water supply shortages due to decreased raw water availability and technical faults at water treatment plants. The most severely impacted areas include the northern and southwestern districts, such as Chhatarpur and Mehrauli. Opposition parties and residents have regularly protested to denounce the situation; officials have not clarified when disruptions will end.

The government is implementing several measures to curb wastage until further notice. An indefinite rationing system is in place across south Delhi; primary impacted regions include Chittaranjan Park, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, and Panchsheel Park.

Additionally, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has deployed teams to enforce measures to prevent water wastage. Fines will be imposed for infractions such as using hoses for car washing, overflowing water tanks, and utilizing domestic water for construction or commercial purposes.

Officials could implement related measures and expand such restrictions to encompass additional regions if the ongoing water shortages persist. Shortages may also affect the supply of private water tankers. Commercial disruptions are possible over the coming weeks, especially for companies that rely on large quantities of municipal water for operations.

Additional demonstrations by civil and political groups are likely in the coming weeks; popular gathering spots include DJB offices, the Haryana Bhavan building along Copernicus Marg, offices of the Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party, public squares, and major intersections. Protests typically pass off peacefully, though local traffic disruptions are likely during well-attended events organized by political parties. Road blockades and minor scuffles between police and activists are possible.