Chapter 2: Literature Review Remember, This Begins On A Fres

Chapter 2: Literature Review Remember, this begins on a fresh page.

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of existing literature related to water scarcity and management challenges in Delhi, India. It aims to establish the context for the research by outlining the key issues, previous studies, gaps in knowledge, and potential avenues for effective intervention. The discussion is structured to cover the historical background of water resource problems, the current state of supply and infrastructure, the role of government and private sector entities, and ongoing policy challenges.

Initially, the review emphasizes the growing crisis of water scarcity experienced by residents in New Delhi. The reliance on groundwater and urban water infrastructure has led to overexploitation, posing sustainability concerns. Mitra (2007) highlights that nearly 27% of households in Delhi receive tap water for less than three hours daily, with 55% experiencing supply for only three to six hours (Mitra, 2007). Such shortages are symptomatic of inadequate supply channels and strained groundwater resources, which are exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth.

The Yamuna River, the primary source of surface water in Delhi, exemplifies environmental and infrastructural deficiencies. Misra (2011) describes how upstream water flows are often restricted or diverted to fulfill demands in surrounding districts, leaving the river mostly dry in sections between the Tajewala Barrage and Delhi. The residual water is frequently contaminated with untreated or partially treated domestic and industrial effluents, raising significant environmental and health concerns. These issues point to a combined failure of policy enforcement and infrastructure maintenance, signaling a need for sustainable water management strategies (Misra, 2011).

At the municipal level, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) functions as the primary body responsible for water distribution. Established by legislative act in 1998, the DJB oversees an extensive network divided into eight zones, which optimizes regional water management. Despite this, inefficiencies persist, often due to organizational and operational limitations. Kumar (2011) evaluates the performance of the DJB, noting disparities and challenges within its service delivery system. Moreover, water tanker services outsourced to private firms are limited in reach and costly, impacting affordability for low-income and migrant populations.

The private sector's involvement in water treatment and distribution offers technological efficiencies but raises questions regarding accessibility and affordability. Philips and Haugh (2005) underscore that corporate social objectives often conflict with profit motives, especially when serving marginalized populations such as slum dwellers and rural migrants. Consequently, private operations tend to serve wealthier districts, leaving vulnerable communities underserved. The literature suggests that reliance solely on private enterprises may reinforce inequalities rather than mitigate them (Phillips & Haugh, 2005).

Migrant influx from neighboring cities and states has intensified Delhi's population growth, further straining existing water resources. This demographic surge complicates policy implementation and resource allocation, creating a gap between identification of problems and effective solutions. Researchers emphasize that addressing these disparities requires integrated policy frameworks and strategic resource management. As Pahl-Wostl et al. (2011) argue, long-term solutions face obstacles not due to problem complexity but due to resource limitations and organizational inefficiencies. Improving institutional capacity and strategic planning remains crucial.

Although various studies have identified the critical issues affecting Delhi’s water supply, there exists a notable research gap concerning the implementation of effective solutions. Many policies are conceptualized but fall short of execution due to inadequate investments, unclear strategic goals, and organizational weaknesses. Bridging this gap necessitates empirical research, including primary data collection, case study analysis, and stakeholder engagement, to develop tailored interventions that are contextually appropriate and sustainable.

In conclusion, the literature underscores that Delhi’s water crisis stems from a combination of environmental degradation, infrastructural deficits, organizational inefficiencies, and socio-economic inequalities. Moving forward, comprehensive strategies involving government agencies, private sector participation, community engagement, and resource management innovations are vital. Clarifying operational frameworks, enhancing institutional capacity, and ensuring equitable access are key steps identified in the literature to address current shortcomings and pave the way for sustainable water use in Delhi.

References

• Mitra, Pramit. (2007). Running on Empty: India’s Water Crisis Could Threaten Prosperity. South Asia Monitor, 103. Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies.
• Misra, Anil Kumar. (2011). A River about to Die: Yamuna. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 2, 489-503. ProQuest.
• Kumar, Manish. (2009). Institutional and Regulatory Economics of Public Private Partnerships in Infrastructure: Evidences from Stochastic Cost Frontier Analysis and Three Case Studies of Urban Water Utilities. Public Policy and Public Administration. ProQuest.
• Philips, Tracey., & Haugh, H. (2005). Beyond Philanthropy: Community Enterprise as a Basis for Corporate Citizenship. Journal of Business Ethics, 58(4), 327–344.
• Pahl-Wostl, Claudia., et al. (2011). Maturing the New Water Management Paradigm: Progressing from Aspiration to Practice. Water Resources Management, 25(3), 837–856.
• Delhi Government. (2006). Delhi Development Report. Oxford University Press.
• Center for Strategic and International Studies. (2007). Water Crisis in India.
• Indian Ministry of Urban Development. (2015). Urban Water Policy Framework.
• World Bank. (2010). Water and Urban Development in Delhi: Challenges and Strategies.
• UNDP. (2014). Sustainable Water Management in Indian Cities.