Delhiites sweat, no power

Water, electricity become priceless as mercury soars

The recurring problem of water shortage and power cuts in the summer months is back.

Delhi residents from several localities complained about non-availability of water on Saturday, with some having no water for the last two or three days.

The worst affected areas are West Patel Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Mukherji Nagar, Nehru Vihar, Khanpur, Burari, Indra Vihar, Sant Nagar, Kaushik Enclave, Kirari, Pratap Vihar and Masjid Moth.

Water-shortage coupled by power cut is forcing people to take to the streets.

Traffic blocked

Recently, the disgruntled residents of Khanpur were detained by the police when they blocked traffic on the BRT corridor in protest against water and power cuts.

According to Masjid Moth residents, the water supply in their area is negligible andthat too at odd hours at night, between 2 to 2.30 am.

“We have to stay awake till late or put an alarm to get up on time to get water,” said Nazeem, a resident.

CM attacked

Meanwhile, the opposition Bhartiya Janata Party has asked chief minister Sheila Dikshit regarding her summer action plan to deal with water and power menace.

BJP Delhi chief Vijender Gupta said Dikshit had announced a plan before the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections but its implementation is nowhere to be seen.

“In March, the CM had assured that people would not face scarcity of water and power this summer. She said her government had prepared a strong action plan to tackle this problem. Where is the plan now?” said Gupta.

Cable replacement

South and west Delhi are facing power cuts between 10 am to 5 pm as the power supply company in the area has decided to replace old cables.

If the replacement of cables was necessary, then why was this work not taken up in the winter, he said.

“It is difficult to live without electricity in this scorching heat and load shedding is taking place for hours in the name of cable change,” said Gupta.

He alleged the power distribution company was hatching a conspiracy in the garb of
replacement of cables in these areas.