The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday organised a ‘Matka Phor’ protest in east Delhi against the alleged worsening water crisis in several parts of the national capital and accused the BJP-led administration of failing to ensure adequate drinking water supply during the peak summer season.
AAP leaders and workers, led by party MLA Kuldeep Kumar, gathered outside the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) office in Mayur Vihar Phase-2 carrying earthen pots, banners and placards bearing slogans such as “Rekha Gupta Paani Do” and “BJP Haye Haye”.
During the protest, demonstrators symbolically broke earthen pots to highlight what they described as the growing frustration among residents over water shortages, contaminated supply and irregular distribution in many localities across Delhi.
However, there was no immediate reaction from the BJP regarding the allegations levelled by the opposition party.
AAP leaders claimed that several colonies in the city were facing acute shortages of drinking water at a time when temperatures in Delhi have remained above normal for weeks.
They alleged that in multiple areas, residents were receiving contaminated or sewer-mixed water, forcing many families to depend on private water tankers and bottled water for daily use.
“The people of Delhi are struggling for every drop of water while the government is acting as a silent spectator,” Kuldeep Kumar said during the protest.
He alleged that water supply in several parts of the city had declined by more than 20 per cent and accused the BJP government of failing to maintain critical water infrastructure and treatment plants.
Party workers also alleged that the functioning of several water treatment plants had been affected due to poor management and insufficient raw water availability.
The protest comes amid continuing concerns over low water levels at the Wazirabad barrage and reduced production at major water treatment plants, including Wazirabad and Chandrawal, which supply water to large parts of north, west and central Delhi.
Residents in several areas, including Civil Lines, Karol Bagh, Paharganj, Kamla Nagar and adjoining colonies, have recently complained about low water pressure and irregular supply timings.
Delhi has been witnessing prolonged heatwave conditions over the past few weeks, significantly increasing water demand across residential and commercial areas. The city recently recorded unusually high night temperatures along with soaring daytime heat.
Political tensions between the AAP and BJP over civic management and essential services have also intensified following recent administrative and governance changes in the capital.
AAP leaders said the party would continue raising the issue in different parts of the city and demanded immediate corrective measures to restore regular and clean water supply to affected households.