​Desperate hunt for water: Residents risk lives, struggle in long queues as water scarcity hits Delhi

​National capital Delhi is grappling with a severe water shortage amid intense heatwave conditions, which has escalated into a political battle. Climate change, overutilization and wastage are amongst the major contributors to the crisis. (PTI photo)

Delhi relies on the Yamuna, Ravi-Beas, and Ganga rivers for most of its water supply. Capital also extracts water from the Yamuna and supplements this with groundwater, drawing water from tubewells and ranney wells. (PTI photo)

The water level in Wazirabad Pond, a major drinking water source, has nearly been depleted. This depletion, along with a shortage in the Munak Canal, has intensified the crisis, water minister Atishi informed. (PTI photo)

On June 6, the Supreme Court directed Himachal Pradesh to release surplus water to help alleviate Delhi's drinking water crisis, following a request from the Delhi government. Haryana was also asked to facilitate the water flow into the capital. The water crisis however, persists. (PTI photo)

Water minister Atishi wrote to the Commissioner of Police, urging for police deployment to patrol and protect major water pipelines in Delhi for the next 15 days, alleging foul play in pipeline leakages. (PTI photo)

The BJP also staged a protest against the AAP government. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP, claiming the Delhi Jal Board was profitable before Arvind Kejriwal became chief minister. (PTI photo)

Amid the crisis, the Delhi Congress, led by chief Devender Yadav, held 'matka phod' protests across the city. Protesters carried earthen pots and Congress flags, raised slogans against the Delhi government, and smashed pots to the ground in protest. (PTI photo)

Distress visuals of residents, including women and children, risking their lives to chase water tankers for a bucket of water are common across Delhi. Authorities have advised using available water judiciously amidst the scarcity. (PTI photo)