Delhi Drinking Water: Indore is not the first city to face the problem of drinking contaminated water. People in several areas of Delhi, including Prem Nagar, Baljit Nagar, and Patel Nagar, are forced to consume contaminated water. According to local residents, the water pipelines in these areas have not been replaced for approximately 50 years. Due to leaks in the dilapidated pipelines, sewage water is mixing with the supply lines, resulting in contaminated water reaching homes.
A severe drinking water crisis continues to plague several parts of central Delhi, with residents of Nabi Karim and Sadar Bazaar reporting that underground pipelines have remained unchanged for nearly five decades. As a result of the deteriorated infrastructure, contaminated water is flowing into homes, forcing families to spend Rs 20-30 every day on 20-litre water cans for basic consumption.
According to Jagran.com, residents have also raised concerns over the quality of filtered water available in these localities, stating that it does not provide clear information about essential mineral content. In high-density neighbourhoods such as Nabi Karim, Paharganj, Daryaganj, Baljit Nagar, Prem Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Patel Nagar and Sadar Bazaar, access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge.
“The water problem has persisted for many years, but the administration has not listened to our complaints,” Nandkishore said, a resident of Nabi Karim.
Health risks are rising as foul-smelling and polluted water continues to be supplied in these areas. Locals estimate that nearly 40 per cent of the population is still compelled to use the contaminated water for daily needs, directly impacting public health and raising serious questions about administrative oversight.
The situation in Prem Nagar is particularly disturbing. Almost every household has installed an RO purifier, yet many of these units have failed due to the highly polluted supply. Families that cannot afford purification systems are left with no choice but to bring drinking water from outside. In Lane Number One of Prem Nagar, residents report sewage seeping into household pipelines, worsening living conditions.
Diseases Spreading Rapidly Due To Contaminated Water
The ongoing contamination has triggered a sharp increase in waterborne illnesses. Locals say cases of stomach infections, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever have become common, with some residents requiring repeated hospital visits after consuming unsafe water.
Despite repeated complaints to civic authorities and concerned departments, residents allege that no permanent solution has been implemented. Many households are now paying for sewer cleaning from their own pockets, while support from the Delhi Municipal Corporation remains limited.
What Did The Residents Say?
“Due to the contaminated water, almost every house has an RO machine installed, but even these break down frequently because of the dirty supply,” said Meenakshi, a resident of Nabi Karim. “Dirty water is also entering our homes, spreading diseases. We collect money to get it cleaned, but every five days sewage water enters our houses again,” added Meena Saini from Prem Nagar.
“We are forced to buy bottled water from the market. Those who cannot afford it have no choice but to drink this contaminated water. We even have to cook with it,” said Kaushalya Devi, another resident of Prem Nagar.
What MLA From Patel Nagar Said On The Situation?
Responding to the situation, Pravesh Ratna, MLA from Patel Nagar, said, “We are facing a shortage of labourers. In many areas, pipelines have burst, leading to contamination of the water supply. Efforts are underway to resolve the issue, and it will be fixed soon. The problem of overflowing drains worsens during winter, and we are continuously working on it. However, we also lack the necessary machinery to properly clean the drains.”