Delhi’s Water Supply Restored After Munak Canal Breach

Water supply from the Munak Canal to Delhi has been restored following a breach in the canal’s carrier lined channel (CLC) in Bawana. The breach, approximately 15 metres in length, was discovered around 2 am on July 11 on the left bank of the canal. Prompt notification was given to the Haryana Irrigation Department, which oversees the canal’s maintenance, including sections within Delhi’s territory.

The CLC, which delivers approximately 500 cusecs of water daily to Delhi, experienced operational disruptions at the Dwarka water treatment plant due to the breach. In response, the Haryana Irrigation Department, in collaboration with Delhi government engineers, mobilised immediate manpower, machinery, and technical support to address the issue. Assistance from various Delhi government departments, the National Disaster Response Force, and the Delhi Development Authority facilitated the rehabilitation of affected residents and the drainage of floodwater. Repair efforts commenced on the morning of July 11, with teams working around the clock to reinforce and concrete the damaged section. The repair work was completed by midnight on July 12. Following the necessary eight-hour curing period, a fitness test was conducted at the site on Saturday morning. Subsequently, water was released from the Kakroi regulator, situated 40 km upstream from the Delhi border, at 11 am on Saturday. The released water has now reached Delhi.

An official stated, “The Dwarka water treatment plant is expected to resume operations this evening, and the scheduled water supply to the plant’s command areas will commence smoothly from Sunday morning.” In addition to the repair of the canal breach, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) initiated the relocation of a 200 mm air valve along the Dwarka raw water line on July 12 as part of the construction of Urban Extension Road-II. To facilitate this, pumps were deployed to empty the twin 1,500 mm diameter water pipelines. The relocation of the air valves was successfully completed by the NHAI team on Saturday morning. The swift and coordinated response to the breach highlights the efficiency of interdepartmental collaboration and the readiness of infrastructure teams to address emergencies. The restored water supply from the Munak Canal is critical for Delhi, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Dwarka water treatment plant and the continued provision of water to the capital.