As the festive season begins, Noida’s population of over 12 lakh is staring at a severe water shortage with the suspension of the city’s Ganga water supply for a month. The 240 MLD (Million Litres per Day) of water sourced from Siddharth Vihar and Pratap Vihar has been cut off for annual canal cleaning, leaving residents dependent on borewells and Ranney wells.

Officials said the shutdown, which coincides with Diwali and Chhath Puja, is a yearly occurrence, but this year, rising demand and poor alternatives could worsen the crisis. The total water requirement for Noida’s 20 lakh residents is 407 MLD, out of which 240 MLD is met through Ganga water. In its absence, TDS levels in several sectors have spiked above 1,000, raising concerns over water quality.

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The Noida Authority has assured that supply will be maintained through 10 Ranney wells and 300 tubewells. However, residents in older sectors such as 12 and 22 are already facing disruptions. Last year, supply in several sectors and group housing societies was restricted to just half an hour per day during Diwali.

Experts warn that groundwater drawn from borewells carries health risks, including skin diseases, stomach ailments, and dehydration, particularly for children and the elderly. Religious practices during Chhath Puja may also be affected due to the lack of clean water for bathing and rituals.

Critics argue that the Authority has failed to create a long-term action plan despite recurring shortages. Proposals such as expanding reservoir storage capacity, enforcing rainwater harvesting, and laying an alternative pipeline from Meerut have not been implemented.

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Meanwhile, groundwater extraction to offset the loss of the Ganga water supply has drawn scrutiny for violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines. Defending the measures, Noida Authority’s General Manager (Water), RP Singh, said, “There will be no water problem in the city. Supply is being maintained through tubewells, and blending is being done to keep TDS levels under control.”