The India Meteorological Department said in 2017 that 2016 was the warmest year since 1901. India's top five hottest years have been recorded in the last 15 years.
Several million people rely on daily visits by tankers and on bore wells for their daily needs. The supply from pipes is puny, irregular and often filthy.
Millions of farmers are almost entirely dependent on monsoon rains for irrigation. Water levels in some key reservoirs have plummeted in recent years, particularly during long summers.
Experts blame the shortages not just on the changing climate but also on inadequate planning, especially in India's fast-growing cities whose aged infrastructure cannot cope.
Experts also say that water-intensive farming, especially for rice and sugar cane to feed India's growing population, has depleted and polluted the underground water table.
Studies by the United Nations and other groups have warned that the country's water crisis will worsen unless action is taken.
Back in the Delhi slum, 29-year-old labourer Yogendra Kumar said, "We spend around four hours on most days doing this."
"Most people get enough supplies to last a few hours. They will start queueing again around 2:00 pm, for the same routine," he added.
"There are days when families don't get water. You have to save some water to use on the days when you don't get any," added fellow resident Shashi Kumar Singh.
The India Meteorological Department said in 2017 that 2016 was the warmest year since 1901. India's top five hottest years have been recorded in the last 15 years.
Several million people rely on daily visits by tankers and on bore wells for their daily needs. The supply from pipes is puny, irregular and often filthy.
Millions of farmers are almost entirely dependent on monsoon rains for irrigation. Water levels in some key reservoirs have plummeted in recent years, particularly during long summers.
Experts blame the shortages not just on the changing climate but also on inadequate planning, especially in India's fast-growing cities whose aged infrastructure cannot cope.
Experts also say that water-intensive farming, especially for rice and sugar cane to feed India's growing population, has depleted and polluted the underground water table.
Studies by the United Nations and other groups have warned that the country's water crisis will worsen unless action is taken.
Back in the Delhi slum, 29-year-old labourer Yogendra Kumar said, "We spend around four hours on most days doing this."
"Most people get enough supplies to last a few hours. They will start queueing again around 2:00 pm, for the same routine," he added.
"There are days when families don't get water. You have to save some water to use on the days when you don't get any," added fellow resident Shashi Kumar Singh.