Delhi Weather and Water Crisis
Delhi’s weather fluctuates based on changing climatic conditions, characterised by extreme temperatures. The city experiences a tropical steppe-type climate, with seasons marked by significant temperature variations.
The summer season commences in April, during which continental winds blow over the city, resulting in extremely dry and hot weather. Summers in Delhi are characterised by scorching heat and unbearable temperatures, often reaching up to 45°C.
Fresh drinking water is a necessity for people, especially in this scorching heat. In this challenging climatic environment, our capital lacks public water dispensers for the general public, including individuals working outdoors during the ongoing heatwave and daily commuters—whether they are workers or students.
The Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, issued a public interest that to prevent yourself from a heatwave, one should drink at least one glass of water, even if not feeling thirsty. In a whole day, one should drink at least 3-4 ltr of water.
Key Weather and Public Health Concerns
- Extreme summer temperatures reaching up to 45°C
- Dry and hot continental winds during summer
- Lack of free public drinking water dispensers
- Challenges faced by outdoor workers, students, and commuters
- Increased risk of dehydration during heatwaves
Current Situation
In response to a Right to Information (RTI) filed by Tapan Nagar for seeking the information of free water dispensers installed by authorities in the Shahdara area, we received a reply from the Delhi Jal Board, stating that “No drinking water dispensers have been installed in AC-62 Shahdara.”
However, the other authorities did not respond to our subsequent request for further information. Consequently, we conducted a ground search and found very few public water dispensers installed by authorities which are out of maintenance.
Findings From RTI and Ground Research
| Authority/Area | Findings |
|---|---|
| Delhi Jal Board | “No drinking water dispensers have been installed in AC-62 Shahdara.” |
| Other Authorities | No response received to further information requests. |
| Ground Search | Very few public water dispensers were found, and many were out of maintenance. |
DMRC Water Dispenser Facilities
Furthermore, we sought information from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) via RTI filed by Tapan Nagar regarding the number of free water dispensers set up by the DMRC for travellers, including students, women, and the elderly.
We received information that “only 56 stations have been provided with space for water dispensers” by the DMRC.
Ground research revealed that out of the 56 dispensers, most of them cost around 10 rupees per litre, and a few are not in working condition.
DMRC Water Dispenser Status Overview
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Total Stations with Space for Water Dispensers | 56 Stations |
| Cost of Water | Approximately 10 Rupees Per Litre |
| Operational Condition | Several dispensers not in working condition |
| Beneficiaries | Students, women, elderly, and daily commuters |
Major Issues Identified
- Absence of free drinking water dispensers in Shahdara
- Non-responsive authorities despite RTI requests
- Poor maintenance of installed water dispensers
- Paid access to drinking water at metro stations
- Non-functional dispensers affecting public convenience
Legal Provisions Related To Right To Drinking Water
The unavailability of fresh water dispensers in the locality amounts to a breach of the fundamental right to access clean drinking water, as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, in the case of Common Cause (A Registered Society) v. Union of India[i]. The Supreme Court held that the ‘Right to Life’ set out in Article 21 means something more than mere survival or animal existence, and it is causing more hardship to the people of Shahdara due to the heatwave.
Delhi’s weather varies with changing climatic conditions and is characterised by extreme temperatures. The city experiences a tropical steppe-type climate, with seasons marked by severe temperature variations.
Summer Conditions In Delhi
- The summer season begins in April.
- Continental winds blow over the city during summer.
- The weather becomes extremely dry and hot.
- Temperatures often reach up to 45°C.
- Heat waves create severe hardship for residents.
Access to fresh water is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. We rely on the recent judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the Vellore District Environment Monitoring Committee, Rep. by its Secretary R. Rajebdran v. The District Collector, Vellore District & Ors [ii], MANU/SC/0126/2025, wherein the Court held:
‘This Court has recognised the concept of the ‘right to a healthy environment’ as part of the ‘right to life’ under Article 21 and thereby has also recognised the ‘right to clean drinking water’ as a fundamental right.’
The same position was earlier affirmed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Subhas Kumar v. State of Bihar [iii], wherein the Court held that pollution-free water and air are fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Importance Of Drinking Water Under Article 21
Drinking water is of primary importance in any country. In fact, India is a party to the resolution of the UNO passed during the United Nations Water Conference in 1977 as under:
“All people, whatever their stage of development and their social and economic conditions, have the right to have access to drinking water in quantity and of a quality equal to their basic needs.”
Thus, the right to access drinking water is fundamental to life, and there is a duty on the state under Article 21 to provide clean drinking water to its citizens,” as held by the Hon’ble Supreme Court:
‘The right to access drinking water is a fundamental right, and it is the duty of the State to ensure its provision to all citizens.’
The above principle was held in paragraph 3 of A.P. Pollution Control Board II v. M.V. Nayudu & Ors [iv].
Supreme Court Observations On Water As A Basic Need
‘Drinking water is of primary importance in any country. In fact, India is a party to the Resolution of the UNO passed during the United Nations Water Conference in 1977, as follows: All people, whatever their stage of development and their social and economic conditions, have the right to have access to drinking water in quantum and of a quality equal to their basic needs. Thus, the right to access drinking water is fundamental to life, and there is a duty on the state under Article 21 to provide clean drinking water to its citizens.
The same is also affirmed in Narmada Bachao Andolan Vs. Union of India (UOI) and Ors [v]. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India held in para. 274:
“Water is the basic need for the survival of human beings and is part of the right to life and human rights as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India and can be served only by providing a source of water where there is none. The resolution of the U.N.O. in 1977, to which India is a signatory, resolved unanimously, inter alia, as under: “All people, whatever their stage of development and their social and economic conditions, have the right to have access to drinking water in quantum and of a quality equal to their basic needs.”
Key Supreme Court Principles
| Case Name | Legal Principle |
|---|---|
| Common Cause (A Registered Society) v. Union of India | The right to life under Article 21 includes dignified existence beyond mere survival. |
| Vellore District Environment Monitoring Committee v. District Collector | The right to clean drinking water forms part of the right to life. |
| Subhas Kumar v. State of Bihar | Pollution-free water and air are fundamental rights under Article 21. |
| A.P. Pollution Control Board II v. M.V. Nayudu & Ors | The state has a duty to provide clean drinking water. |
| Narmada Bachao Andolan Vs. Union of India (UOI) and Ors | Water is a basic human necessity and integral to the right to life. |
International Resolution
International resolutions, to which India is also a party, recognizes “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights” by United Nations General Assembly Resolution No. A/RES/64/292 dated 3rd August, 2010, and by Human Rights Council Resolution No. A/HRC/15/L.14 dated 24.09.2010, which “affirms and reaffirms as under:-
- Affirms that the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation is derived from the right to an adequate standard of living and inextricably related to the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, as well as the right to life and human dignity.
- Reaffirms that States have the primary responsibility to ensure the full realisation of all human rights, and that the delegation of the delivery of safe drinking water and/or sanitation services to a third party does not exempt the State from its human rights obligations.
In article 25(2) of UDHR, it “ensures the right to a standard of adequate living for the health and well-being of an individual, including housing and medical care, and the right to security in the event of sickness, disability, etc.”
Environmental Impact
The scarcity of freshwater dispensers is leading to an excessive consumption of packaged plastic drinking water bottles, which normally cost 20 rupees per litre, which are typically single-use bottles. This practice contributes to the overuse of plastic, which can be mitigated by installing free water dispensers.
Problems with Plastic Bottles
- Not recycled properly and end up in the environment.
- Cause harm to the ecosystem.
- Pose risks to human health due to plastic consumption.
- The presence of microplastic molecules in unborn children exacerbates the concern.
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Excessive Plastic Use | Environmental pollution and ecosystem damage |
| Health Risks | Diseases linked to plastic consumption |
| Economic Cost | 20 rupees per litre for bottled water |
Conclusion
In essence, a significant portion of the population utilises the metro system, particularly students. Delhi’s densely populated nature, a substantial segment of individuals are compelled to venture outside for work, irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions.
Recommendations
- The state should provide fresh water to everyone.
- Competent authorities must establish fresh drinking water dispensers in designated areas such as Shahdara and other necessary locations.
- DMRC should install free water dispensers at all stations instead of only 56.
We urge the authorities to treat this as a public health priority before the deadly effect of the heatwave. This initiative will not only fulfil the fundamental right of citizens but also protect people of Delhi from the heatwave and reduce unnecessary plastic usage, contributing to a cleaner environment. End Notes:
- Common Cause (A Registered Society) v. Union of India, 1999 INSC 299
- Vellore District Environment Monitoring Committee, Rep. by its Secretary R. Rajebdran v. The District Collector, Vellore District & Ors., 2025 INSC 131
- Subhas Kumar v. State of Bihar, 1991 INSC 3
- A.P. Pollution Control Board II v. M.V. Nayudu & Ors., 2000 INSC 564
- Narmada Bachao Andolan Vs. Union of India (UOI) and Ors, 2000 INSC 489
