Here's why Noida and Ghaziabad are facing water crisis

Amid soaring temperatures, residents across Noida and Ghaziabad are struggling to secure sufficient water supply. Many have turned to purchasing water from private tankers or rationing their usage, despite assurances from the Noida Authority that the city receives an adequate daily supply of 480 million liters per day (MLD), against a requirement of 407 MLD, a TOI report stated.

While in Ghaziabad, the city faces a worsening water crisis, particularly during the summer, due to both a shortage of potable water and poor water quality. According to the civic body, there is a daily shortfall of 25 million liters per day (MLD). The city’s growing population has further strained its infrastructure.

A 2019 NITI Aayog report warned that 21 Indian cities, including Ghaziabad, could exhaust their groundwater supplies within a few years, potentially impacting 100 million people.

Rising Population and Infrastructure Strain in Noida & Ghaziabad

Noida and Ghaziabad’s proximity to the national capital and the upcoming international airport have made it an attractive investment hub, leading to a population surge. From a population of 16.5 lakh in 2011, estimates suggest it has doubled by 2024. This rapid growth has put immense pressure on both groundwater resources and existing water infrastructure.

A recent study highlighted a significant drop in Gautam Budh Nagar’s groundwater levels, from 30-40 meters in 2002 to 140 feet currently, with a depletion rate of 11 to 12 feet per year. In Ghaziabad, data from the UP groundwater board indicates an average groundwater level decline of 9.5 meters from 2017 to 2023.

Mixing Groundwater with Ganga Water
Noida residents complain that they resort to buying drinking water regularly. Leakage in the city’s aging water infrastructure further exacerbates the crisis. Earlier this month, residents of Noida's Eldeco Aamantran Society had to hire private water tankers to meet their daily drinking water needs. In older sectors like 19, 11, 12, 30, and 55, low water pressure has been a consistent issue, particularly for upper-floor residents.

Noida Authority's Assurance

Despite the challenges, Noida Authority maintains that there is no water shortage. RP Singh, Noida’s general manager (water and sewer department), announced that the third phase of the Ganga pipeline would begin in July, adding another 50 MLD to the supply.

In Greater Noida, residents continue to wait for Ganga water, one-and-a-half years after the inauguration of the Ganga water pipeline by CM Yogi Adityanath.

The water crisis in Noida highlights the urgent need for robust water management and infrastructure development to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth.