• Dehli water minister has been on a five-day hunger strike to highlight the city’s severe water crisis
• The lack of water has been exacerbated by a prolonged heatwave – causing a surge in electricity and water demand
• Delhi is suffering one of its hottest summers with temps exceeding 40°C for weeks
• Residents are relying heavily on water tanker deliveries
• The minister also blames the Haryana government saying they are withholding significant portion of water from the Yamuna River

Delhi heatwave: Delhi water minister taken to hospital amid hunger strike

Delhi’s water minister, Atishi, has been hospitalised after five days of a hunger strike to highlight the city’s severe water crisis. The Indian capital is facing water shortages exacerbated by a prolonged heatwave, driving up consumption.

Atishi was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday morning with dangerously low blood sugar levels, dropping to 36 mg/dL, well below the normal range of 70-100 mg/dL. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader has accused the neighbouring state of Haryana, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of restricting Delhi’s water supply. The BJP denies the allegations, attributing the crisis to the AAP government.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that Atishi, who has not eaten in five days, is being treated in the ICU.

Delhi is enduring one of its hottest summers, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for weeks. This has caused a surge in electricity and water demand, straining the city’s resources. As the water supply dwindles, residents are increasingly relying on tanker deliveries.

Atishi holds the Haryana government responsible for withholding a significant portion of water from the Yamuna River, which is crucial for the water needs of Delhi and other northern states, including Haryana.