The Gwalior water crisis is intensifying with the city’s main water source, Tighra Dam, rapidly depleting amid soaring summer demand and fears of below-normal rainfall. Civic authorities are now preparing to introduce alternate-day water supply from July if the monsoon fails to arrive on time.
Officials from the Water Resources Department have warned that the dam holds water for only around 90 more days under current consumption levels. Several residential colonies are already facing acute shortages, with residents in nearly 17 localities complaining of low-pressure or disrupted supply for over two weeks.
The Gwalior Municipal Corporation has drafted a proposal for one-day-gap water supply, which is expected to be placed before the Mayor-in-Council and the civic council shortly.
Gwalior water crisis hits several neighbourhoods
Areas including Shinde Ki Chhawani, Ghosipura, Scindia Nagar, Hanuman Ghati, Crusher Colony, Tower Colony, Kila Gate, Resham Mill, Chandanpura, Adityapuram and Shatabdi Puram are among the worst affected. In several colonies, residents are depending entirely on water tankers for daily needs.
“If rainfall remains below normal this year, the situation could become more serious in the coming months,” officials from the Water Resources Department warned.
Authorities said the threat of an El Niño effect could result in weaker monsoon rainfall this year, making water conservation essential.
Tankers deployed as demand rises
To manage the shortage, the municipal corporation has approved hiring 30 private water tankers in addition to the 52 government tankers already supplying water across the city.
Officials also admitted that overhead tanks in several parts of Gwalior are not filling to full capacity, affecting supply in far-flung residential zones.
Interestingly, the civic body has simultaneously increased daily water supply from 12.20 MCFD to 12.90 MCFD despite concerns over shrinking reserves. The move has triggered questions over long-term water management planning.
Urban planners and water experts have urged authorities to focus on leak prevention, rainwater harvesting and alternative water sources before the crisis worsens further.
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