Just a trickle in the tank: Tempers rise at DLF 2 homes as taps sputter

Gurgaon: It has now become a routine disappointment for residents of DLF-2. At 6.15am daily, they open their taps and line up their buckets in their bathrooms, waiting for the trickle of water that seldom appears.
It has been weeks since the erratic supply, especially in blocks J, K, L, and M, became routine.

Despite being one of the city's most expensive localities, where property prices easily breach Rs 5 crore and residents pay hefty taxes, DLF-2 continues to face a deepening water crisis over the past 4-5 years.
The lack of regular supply forces many households to buy private water tankers multiple times a month. This costs them between Rs 1,200 and Rs 3,000 per tanker, depending on its size. But even tankers are a half-solution.
"We have lived here for 25 years, and ever since the number of floors increased, water supply has gone down. The infrastructure hasn't kept up. Though the developer provides some tankers when we make repeated complaints, they come without motors and as a result water can't go up to the overhead tanks. We purchase water tankers at least thrice a week," said Shaila Gaikwad, a senior citizen in Block J. "I am 70 and live with my 93-year-old mother. We shouldn't have to suffer like this for something as basic as water," she added.
According to residents, many internal lanes of the area do not have any water. They allege they are not informed about repair works, booster downtime, or pipeline failures, leaving them guessing when the next drop will arrive.
"Water comes only once a day, and that too just for 10 minutes with almost no pressure. In some lanes, we don't get a single drop in the evening. No official explanation has been provided for why the existing booster pumps are unable to maintain pressure, or why certain internal pipelines remain dry," said Aurobindo Verma, a member of Aawaz Volunteer, a citizen group.
Residents have repeatedly flagged the matter to both GMDA and the developer, seeking augmentation through additional pipelines or booster pumps, but to no avail. "GMDA admits the supply is far below the demand in tail-end areas like ours. They say DLF should bridge the gap. DLF, in turn, says it's only responsible for distribution, not supply. They are just passing the buck around and it is infuriating," said Ishwar Kewalramani, another member of Aawaz Volunteer.
The developer, meanwhile, did not respond to requests for comment on the issue. When contacted, a senior GMDA official said, "There have been no issues from the GMDA's end except for a brief power interruption on Friday. Water supply remains normal, and we have not received any complaints from DLF."