New Delhi: Delhi Jal Board is exploring options to secure additional water from Haryana and Himachal Pradesh to tide over any possible shortage in summer, when demand will surge.The board is considering compensation — either monetary or through infrastructure support—to ensure uninterrupted supply.DJB has approached Haryana and Himachal Pradesh with a request for supply of 100 cusecs of extra water from April to July.Speaking to TOI, a senior official said that although the weather is favourable now and the water situation under control, the request has been made to take precautions. “There is no immediate need for additional water, but we have sought 100 cusecs keeping future requirements in mind,” he said.Delhi receives its allocated share of around 924 cusecs daily. Officials emphasised that maintaining this level is crucial, particularly in summer when supply often dips. “Our priority is to ensure that the existing allocation does not fall below 924 cusecs, as any reduction during peak summer can severely impact water availability,” the officer added.From Haryana’s perspective, discussions are under way regarding additional supply, and a demand for 100 cusecs has been made. The senior officer said that Delhi has told Haryana that the existing allocation should not be reduced under any circumstances, and Haryana has assured DJB on this.In Haryana’s case, DJB has proposed to repair and modernise the Delhi Sub-Branch (DSB) and the Carrier Line Channel (CLC) — ageing but vital water conveyance systems— in exchange for the additional water.Talks with Himachal Pradesh are also progressing. Officials said that an existing memorandum of understanding allows the utilisation of the hill state’s unspent Yamuna water. However, the matter is currently under consideration by the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB), which will decide whether the surplus can be allocated to Delhi.“Himachal Pradesh has indicated that it may not have as much surplus water as previously estimated. The UYRB has sought data from both Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and two meetings have already been held. Another meeting is expected in April,” the official said.The board, established in 1995, is under the Union ministry of jal shakti that regulates and allocates water among Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi.Authorities are optimistic about a favourable outcome on Delhi’s demand for 100 cusecs of additional water. With temperatures expected to rise sharply in the coming months, the outcome of these inter-state negotiations will play a crucial role in determining whether Delhi can avoid its annual water shortages.“The distribution of water among the riparian states is governed by the 1994 Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement,” the official said.The officer also stressed that work on a new water treatment plants is under way, and additional raw water will be required once these facilities are operationalised.
