Residents of several Delhi Development Authority (DDA) blocks in West Delhi’s Janakpuri have alleged that black and foul-smelling water has continued flowing through taps for months, forcing families to spend thousands of rupees on bottled water and plumbing repairs despite repeated complaints to the authorities.
People living in Janakpuri’s B1C, B3A, B3B and BE blocks claimed that the problem, which they say had surfaced intermittently earlier, has become regular since November last year. Many families said they had stopped using tap water for drinking and cooking altogether, relying instead on packaged water cans even for basic household needs.
“We don’t trust the tap water anymore,” said Kunal (name changed) a resident and office-bearer associated with the local RWA. “Sometimes water is black, sometimes muddy, and often it smells like sewage. There are days when even bathing becomes difficult,” he said.
Another resident Navneet (name changed) alleged that contamination is worsening in blocks located near the main road, where sewer lines are allegedly overflowing because of pressure buildup in the network. According to them, sewer repair work in a section of the area has remained stalled for the past few months following a court stay, increasing pressure on the existing lines.
Locals claimed that overflowing sewage and underground seepage may be entering water pipelines in parts of the colony. However, these claims could not be independently verified.
Several families also alleged that motors and filters installed in flats are repeatedly getting choked because of sludge and debris flowing through pipelines. A resident, Kunal, claimed that plumbers have become regular visitors in the locality due to recurring motor failures linked to dirty water supply.
“Every few days, we have to call plumbers to clean the motors because the supply is so dirty. We are spending separately on water cans and repairs,” he said.
Families said the additional monthly burden has become difficult to manage. Residents claimed that an average household is spending between Rs 9,000 and Rs 15,000 a month on bottled water, plumbing work and maintenance, even as regular water bills continue to be issued.
The issue has triggered growing concern among residents, many of whom alleged that prolonged underground leakage is also affecting roads and surrounding structures. Some residents claimed cracks had appeared in portions of buildings in the locality, though no official assessment confirming structural damage was immediately available.
Residents said multiple complaints had been submitted over the past several months to the Delhi Jal Board and the local MLA’s office. According to them, acknowledgement receipts for the complaints have been received from officials which are with The Tribune.
Queries regarding the alleged contamination, status of sewer repair work and residents’ complaints were sent to the Delhi Jal Board. Responses were awaited at the time of the publication.
