Jodhpur's Water Woes: Heatwave Intensifies Crisis Amid Canal Delays

Jodhpur faces a critical water crisis as the delayed release of water from Punjab's Harike Barrage into the Indira Gandhi Canal exacerbates the situation amid intense heatwaves. Local reservoirs are nearly depleted, and urgent measures are being initiated to restore supply for the city's nearly 2 million residents.

Amid soaring temperatures in Rajasthan, Jodhpur's water crisis is worsening due to delayed water release from Punjab's Harike Barrage via the Indira Gandhi Canal. Maintenance delays have hindered timely water supply, heightening the urgency for Jodhpur's almost 2 million residents who face dwindling reservoir levels.

Chief Engineer Devraj Solanki of the Public Health Engineering Department reports that the water was expected from the Harike Barrage on May 11 but was only released on May 14. It is anticipated to reach Jodhpur's key reservoirs, Kaylana lake and Takht Sagar, by May 20 or 21.

Officials plan a one-day supply shutdown to manage the emergency, as severe scorching conditions persist across major cities in Rajasthan, further complicating the water shortage. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot has criticized the handling of the crisis, urging immediate solutions.