Groundwater, heavily extracted for domestic and construction use, is depleting at several metres annually, with 14 of Delhi’s 34 tehsils classified as over-exploited

Byline: Mahesh Gupta, Chairperson, KENT RO

The capital city of India, Delhi, stands at a crossroads with a rising population of 33.8 million; it faces a water crisis that strips away the very essence of urban development. Climate change, rapid industrialisation, and excessive dependence on declining resources such as the Yamuna River and groundwater have brought Delhi to its edge. By 2040, in the absence of aggressive interventions, the city may be a case study for the country and the world for urban water shortages. However, with intelligent government intervention and sustainable habits, Delhi has the potential to become a water security model.

The Growing Water Crisis
The water challenges in Delhi stem from reliance on outside sources and limited groundwater supplies. The city draws 90 per cent of its drinking water from neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with the polluted Yamuna supplying 40 per cent of raw water. Groundwater, heavily extracted for domestic and construction use, is depleting at several metres annually, with 14 of Delhi’s 34 tehsils classified as over-exploited. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) generates 977 – 993 million gallons per day (MGD), which is also not enough. Water losses happen due to leaky pipelines and old infrastructure, with industrial pollution and over-ammonia making most of the Yamuna water unusable. Urbanisation heightens these challenges. Delhi is expected to grow further by 2040, overburdening resources as informal settlements and high-rise buildings multiply. Climate change adds to the emergency, with unpredictable monsoons, increasing temperatures, and drying-up water bodies interrupting water supply. The Indian Meteorological Department reported 2023 as a record year among the hottest, accelerating water stress. Delhi will join 21 Indian cities expected to deplete groundwater by 2025 unless quick action is taken.

Sustainable Solutions To Urban Water Challenges
For Delhi, water security by 2040 is based on sustainable solutions that focus on its increasing urban water demands. By an estimated population nearing 40 million, the city will have to go green in managing water and providing equal access. Implementing circular water models, for example, recycling treated wastewater for non-potable applications such as construction and agriculture, can decrease groundwater reliance.

Not just climate change; economic stakes are also high. The World Bank estimates that poor water management could cost India 2.8 per cent of GDP by 2050. Scaling up rainwater harvesting across residential and commercial zones will replenish aquifers, countering the over-exploitation of the city’s 14 tehsils. Green infrastructure, including permeable pavements and urban wetlands, can mitigate flooding while enhancing groundwater recharge. Community-driven conservation, supported by incentives and awareness campaigns by the government, will promote a culture of sustainability, ensuring efficient use of Delhi’s limited resources.

Government Interventions For Long-term Security
To secure Delhi’s water future, the government must prioritise sustainability through infrastructure upgrades, policy innovation, and community engagement.

Firstly, smart water management is critical. Installation of advanced leak detection systems, online quality control, and intelligent distribution networks can reduce losses. Pilot programs in South Delhi for 3,000 homes saved 18 per cent water consumption and 500,000 litre per day by employing smart meters. Extending such programme throughout the city would save 2.5 billion cubic meters per year. On top of that, the upgrading of water treatment facilities to strip off high levels of ammonia and upgrade sewage treatment will revitalise the Yamuna.

Secondly, the Delhi government’s push to use treated water for construction, reducing groundwater reliance, is a step forward. By enforcing Bureau of Indian Standards norms (pH 6–8.5, TDS below 2,000 ppm), this policy will safeguard infrastructure while saving resources. The Delhi Water Bill Waiver Scheme 2025 that helps decrease bills by 90 per cent for 29 lakh families encourages judicious use by effective billing mechanisms. Laws that enforce collection of rainwater and more stringent standards on pollution, supported by the National Green Tribunal, can replenish groundwaters and purify the Yamuna.

Third, the public participation is important. Conservation incentives, rewards for conservation, and public consultation meetings can instil a water-conscious culture. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can predict demand, optimise supply, and detect system failures. Early adopters like the city of Pune saved 15–20 per cent water through smart meters. The Delhi government should follow such success stories while also offering incentives to marginalised communities for equal access.

A Sustainable Future
Delhi in 2040 has the potential to be an urban water-secure state. Through investing in smart infrastructure, enforcing sustainable practices, and capacitating communities, the government can provide equitable, clean water access. It is a difficult road but one that can be taken. As Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted, the focus is on ‘visible and tangible progress’. The success for Delhi could translate to a nationwide change because every success, much like every drop, matters.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication.