New Delhi:The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) faces a fresh crisis as water tanker contractors embark on a strike due to non-payment of bills spanning several months. The DJB had assured payments after the finance department released funds, but contractors claim no disbursement has occurred. Naresh Jain, President of DJB Contractors’ Welfare Association, stated, “In such a scenario, there is no option but to go on strike and stop all work.”
This strike is already impacting unauthorised colonies, urban villages, and areas reliant on water distribution through tankers, according to government officials. Residents in affected areas express concerns over the disruption in water supply.
Residents in Rohini, such as Shilendra Baranwal of Sector 30, reported a lack of water supply for four days, emphasizing the significance of water tankers in areas where pipelines haven’t been laid. The DJB had earlier planned to revamp the existing tanker distribution system, but this move faced resistance from water tanker owners.
The tanker association had informed the DJB about their decision to go on a one-day strike on December 26, citing grievances, including the reshuffling of water tankers. A DJB official revealed, “They have threatened that if this demand, among others, is not met, there will be an indefinite strike. The strike has affected water supply, and people are complaining of disruption in the supply of water by tankers.”
DJB typically deploys around 1,198 water tankers during the peak summer season from April to July. This includes contracted stainless steel water tankers, hired water tankers, and department water tankers. The ongoing strike adds to the challenges faced by the DJB, as maintenance project contractors have already been on strike, impacting the city’s sewerage and water supply networks.
Earlier this month, Water Minister Atishi highlighted a serious water supply crisis looming over Delhi due to the non-release of funds to the DJB by the finance department, controlled by the central government. The legal tussle could further hamper water supply in the city.
