'Evaporates on the way': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's remark on water shortage sparks row— video

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has blamed evaporation caused by extreme summer heat for part of the water shortage being faced by residents of the national capital.

A video clip of her remarks has been widely shared on social media platform X. Speaking at a BJP event, Gupta referred to the ongoing water crisis in Delhi, where demand for water continues to exceed supply during the peak summer season. She said that high temperatures were contributing to the problem.



“Pani ki kitni dikkat ho rahi hai. Jab itni bhari garmi ho rahi hai, pani jo aata hai wo evaporate ho jata hai beech me kuch pani, to uske karan shortage ho jati hai,” Gupta said. (“People are facing a severe water shortage. When the heat is so intense, some of the water that is supplied evaporates on the way. Because of that, a shortage occurs.)

Her comments quickly drew reactions from opposition leaders and critics. Former Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj was among those who questioned the explanation. Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak also took a swipe at the Chief Minister's remarks.

“These are Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's views on the water shortage in Delhi. There should be some limit to foolishness,” Nayak wrote on X.



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Advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan wrote, “Our gutter gas making chaiwala has spawned many scientists as ministers & CMs. Here is our own CM Rekha Gupta with her scientific nuggets on why there is water shortage!” he posted.

Evaporation can cause water stress only to a limited extent. During periods of extreme heat, water stored in reservoirs, lakes, canals and open distribution systems can evaporate into the atmosphere. Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of evaporation.

However, large urban water shortages are usually linked to a combination of factors such as rising demand, inadequate supply, leakages, infrastructure issues, groundwater depletion and uneven distribution.

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