In a pivotal meeting on Monday, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena discussed the pressing water crisis with Water Minister Aatishi. Accompanied by Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, they reviewed a report by the Upper Yamuna River Board officials. The findings showed that Haryana's supply on the critical Munak Canal at Delhi's end was sufficient.
According to inspection reports, Haryana released 2,289 cusecs of water at Munak on 09.06.2024, surpassing the allotted quota for Delhi by 111 cusecs. However, the water level at Bawana receiving station was observed to be 960.78 cusecs, indicating a significant 18% loss compared to the permitted margin of 5%.
Following the meeting, Aatishi assured that Lieutenant Governor Saxena has promised to engage with the Haryana Government to ensure the allotted 1,050 cusecs reaches Delhi through the Munak Canal. The Delhi administration has repeatedly accused Haryana of withholding their rightful water share over the past fortnight.
Aatishi raised concerns, "With the water level dipping at Wazirabad barrage and the Munak Canal's reduced flow, we called upon the LG to press Haryana for a higher release of water. Delhi's seven treatment plants heavily depend on this canal. LG Saxena has offered us assurance to address the matter with Haryana," noted Aatishi.
Minister Bharadwaj Makes Accusations
Post-meeting, AAP Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the LG's office of attempting to confiscate their phones prior to the discussion. Bharadwaj stated that LG's administration had released misleading information and dared the LG to make the meeting's recordings public. "It would cause a stir," he claimed, decrying falsities in the press release. Bharadwaj also reported interference by the police who attempted to confiscate the ministers' phones upon arrival at the LG Secretariat.
Bharadwaj challenged the LG, "Releasing the recording would unveil the BJP's true intent. At arrival, our phones were nearly seized by the police. Was the LG office apprehensive about recording the proceedings? We vehemently opposed this action and demanded written orders. The LG tried planting falsehoods, hence the attempt to seize our phones," he declared.
Criticizing Jitan Ram Manjhi
Bharadwaj also directed criticism at Jitan Ram Manjhi of the BJP for his remarks on Lord Ram being 'fictional', questioning the Prime Minister's stance following BJP's appointment of Manjhi. He also raised the issue of Manjhi's claims that Ravana was more diligent than Ram, demanding BJP's clarification on their agreement with such statements.
