In a troubling echo of the water woes plaguing Delhi, residents of Noida and Greater Noida are now grappling with a severe water crisis. A viral video circulating on social media has brought to light the stark reality faced by the residents of Panchsheel Hynish, a high-rise residential complex in Greater Noida. The video, which shows long queues forming to collect water from a private tanker, has garnered significant attention and sparked widespread discussion online.
“This video is not from Latur in Madhya Pradesh, but from the country’s most emerging city, Greater Noida (UP). The motor of the pump house of Greno Authority is not working. 1400 families of the Panchsheel Hynish Society are carrying water in buckets up to several floors,” reads the caption shared by user Sachin Gupta on X. Since its posting on June 22, the video has been viewed thousands of times, with many expressing their concerns and frustrations in the comments section.
The footage depicts numerous men and women, standing in line with buckets, waiting patiently for their turn to fill them up. The once gleaming residential towers now serve as a backdrop to a grim reality—a water crisis that has turned daily life into a struggle for the basic necessity. One commenter remarked, “Today the poor guys are carrying water instead of exercising in the club. This is what is called history completing its circuit.” Another user expressed a different perspective, saying, “It was one of the main reasons I avoided living in these so-called metro cities. Earning a little but living peacefully in my small town.”
The situation at Panchsheel Hynish is symptomatic of a larger issue affecting not just Greater Noida, but also its neighboring regions. Just last month, a significant water shortage affected numerous sectors in Noida, forcing approximately 5,000 residents of Eldeco Aamantran Society to rely on private water tankers for their daily needs.
While the private water tankers provide a temporary reprieve, they pose several challenges. The water from these tankers is often not as reliably clean as municipal supplies, raising concerns about the potential risk of waterborne diseases. Additionally, the cost of buying water from private suppliers can be prohibitive for many families. As one resident of Panchsheel Hynish noted, “We are already paying hefty maintenance charges, and now we have this added burden of purchasing water.
. It feels like we are being punished for no fault of our own.”
Water scarcity in urban areas is becoming an increasingly common issue across the country. The National Institute of Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has warned that by 2030, India’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, leading to severe water scarcity for hundreds of millions of people. The crisis in Greater Noida serves as a stark reminder of these impending challenges.
In the capital city of Delhi, the situation is equally dire. Delhi Water Minister Atishi has continued her indefinite fast into its second day, protesting against the Haryana state government. In a video message from her ‘Jal Satyagrah’ venue in Bhogal, South Delhi, Minister Atishi declared, “I will not eat anything till Haryana releases more water for the people in the city, 28 lakh of whom are suffering from water shortage.” Her protest highlights the ongoing disputes between states over water sharing, which have only exacerbated the crisis.
The Panchsheel Hynish residents’ plight has also drawn attention to the inefficiencies and failures on the part of local authorities. The malfunctioning motor at the Greno Authority’s pump house has been cited as the primary reason for the water shortage affecting the society. Despite numerous complaints and pleas for quick resolution, the problem remains unaddressed, leaving residents exasperated.
Water conservation has emerged as a critical theme in the discussion. One commenter on the viral video highlighted this need, stating, “Water should be metered and people should conserve it. Water is likely to become scarce before vanishing.” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness and urgency regarding water conservation efforts, both at the individual and policy levels.
As the situation continues to unfold, it serves as a poignant reminder of the larger issues at play—urban planning, resource management, and the need for sustainable solutions. The residents of Panchsheel Hynish, along with many others across the country, grapple with the harsh realities of water scarcity, showcasing the urgent need for action and reform.
The viral video has not just captured the plight of the residents but also ignited a broader conversation about water resources, infrastructure, and governance. As authorities face mounting pressure to address these issues, it remains to be seen how quickly and effectively they can respond to prevent such crises from becoming the norm rather than the exception.
