NEW DELHI: South Delhi’s three landmark malls in Vasant Kunj-DLF Promenade, DLF Emporio and Ambience Mall -have been hit by a severe water crisis. These malls are operating with half of their washroom units shut to save water. These malls rely on private tankers, but a recent ban on tanker triggered the crisis, said sources.A govt official said water supply through private tankers was stopped following an order from the National Green Tribunal. “Tanker water was being supplied from illegal borewells. Police have launched a crackdown on this. A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the issue on Tuesday,” said the govt official.In its order, the green tribunal stated, “This tribunal reiterates the urgent requirement of registration of FIR against the violators for theft of water… for deterrent effect to secure compliance with environmental laws/norms and directions given by Supreme Court and this tribunal.” It also asked the police commissioner to submit an action taken report within a month.
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Meanwhile, DLF denied the claims in a statement on Monday.“Contrary to claims, the two malls are operating with an adequate water supply and have not faced disruptions that would necessitate closure. Both malls acknowledge the concerns raised about water supply in Vasant Kunj for a couple of days, but clarify that their malls have robust contingency measures in place,” it stated.It added that their teams were working diligently and in close coordination with authorities concerned to ensure uninterrupted services, especially with the festive season at its peak. “Our foremost priority is to give the best services to our customers,” the statement read.An official of Delhi Jal Board said the issue had been resolved.Meanwhile, some other areas in east, northeast and south Delhi are also facing a shortage of water as Ganga raw water is not available for Bhagirathi and Sonia Vihar WTP for the next seven days. The areas where water supply has been affected are Surajmal Vihar, Shalimar Park, Vishwakarma Park, Chitra Vihar and Vasant Kunj.A resident of Vasant Kunj C block, Pankaj Kumar, said that they received a message from the RWA, stating, “Due to the water supply shortage, it will be given on alternate days in Vasant Kunj. This might continue for this entire week.”A senior DJB official said, “There may be minor inconveniences, but overall things are under control. Yes, Ganga water supply has been affected, but this is being managed through the Yamuna for the plants”.
