ABOUT

Urban Waters – NCR

Delhi NCR faces acute water stress. This is driven by rapid urbanization, over-extraction of groundwater, and heavy reliance on River Yamuna and inter-state transfers. The city’s per capita water availability is now below the water scarcity threshold. 

Groundwater levels continue to decline across districts. Over 60% of Delhi’s groundwater blocks are categorized as over-exploited. At the same time, untreated sewage and solid waste have severely degraded Yamuna and the local drains. Rainwater harvesting is mandated, and wastewater reuse is being piloted. However, gaps remain in implementation, equity, and infrastructure maintenance.