Lakhwar Dam Delay Impacts Delhi's Water Supply Plans
Lakhwar dam delayed by three years, hits Delhi’s long-term water plan
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Lakhwar dam project on the Yamuna River in Uttarakhand, which is crucial for supplying 134 million gallons of water daily to Delhi, is delayed by three years and will now complete by 2034. This setback affects Delhi's long-term water strategy, which relies on multiple dam projects to meet a projected demand of 1,250 million gallons per day.
- 01The Lakhwar dam was expected to help close a water demand-supply gap of 250 million gallons per day in Delhi.
- 02Delhi Jal Board has already invested ₹7.7 crore (approximately $930,000 USD) in the Lakhwar dam project.
- 03Other dam projects, Renukaji and Kishau, are still in preliminary stages and could provide 275 mgd and 372 mgd of water, respectively.
- 04Delhi's water supply remains constant at around 1,000 mgd, with significant reliance on neighboring states for raw water.
- 05The Lakhwar dam project has faced delays since its planning began in 1976, with construction halted in 1992 due to funding issues.
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The Lakhwar dam, located on the Yamuna River in Uttarakhand, is vital for addressing Delhi's growing water needs, expected to supply 134 million gallons per day upon completion. However, the project is now delayed by three years, with a new completion date set for 2034. This delay significantly impacts Delhi's long-term water supply strategy, which depends on three major dam projects: Lakhwar, Renukaji, and Kishau. Currently, only the Lakhwar dam is in advanced development, while the other two remain at preliminary stages. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had anticipated receiving water from Lakhwar to help bridge a 250 million gallons per day demand-supply gap, as the city's projected water demand is 1,250 million gallons per day for a population of 25 million by 2025. Presently, Delhi's water supply is stable at around 1,000 million gallons per day, relying heavily on neighboring states for additional resources. The DJB has already allocated funds towards these projects, including ₹7.7 crore (approximately $930,000 USD) for the Lakhwar dam. The ongoing delays in these projects pose challenges as Delhi's population continues to grow.
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The delay in the Lakhwar dam project exacerbates Delhi's existing water supply challenges, potentially leading to increased water scarcity for residents.
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