The issue of cleaning the Yamuna is heating up the Delhi Assembly election. Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, has accused the BJP-led Haryana government of contaminating the Yamuna with poison. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, while alleging a rise in ammonia levels in Delhi’s water supply, has written to the Election Commission. Sources reveal the Commission has demanded a response from Haryana. In reaction to Kejriwal's statements, the CM of Haryana hit back, suggesting that the public will soon show Kejriwal the door.
Chief Minister Atishi alleged that Haryana is releasing water filled with excessive ammonia into the Yamuna. This could potentially lead to the closure of Delhi's three major water treatment plants: Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Okhla.
Atishi Seeks Meeting with EC
Atishi claims that due to the spike in ammonia levels in the Yamuna, 30% of residents might face water shortages. She blames Haryana and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for this situation. Viewing it as an election disruption tactic, Atishi has reached out to the Election Commission for a meeting.
Response Needed by Tuesday Afternoon
According to sources, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed the Haryana government to submit a factual report by Tuesday afternoon (28th January) regarding the allegations of rising ammonia levels in the water supplied to Delhi. Reports suggest the high ammonia levels in the Yamuna have purportedly disrupted water availability in the National Capital.
Kejriwal's Statement
Arvind Kejriwal stated, "Delhi receives its drinking water from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The water flows from Haryana into Delhi via the Yamuna. The BJP government in Haryana made the water toxic. However, the Delhi Jal Board has prevented that water from coming into Delhi... The BJP government added such poison that even water treatment plants can’t purify it, causing shortages in a third of Delhi."
Kejriwal alleged that this was done to create chaos in Delhi, suggesting it’s designed to make the AAP look culpable... Atishi and Bhagwant Mann have written to the Election Commission, seeking an immediate meeting. I hope the Commission intervenes to save Delhiites from this disaster..."
Naib Saini Responds
Replying to Kejriwal, Haryana’s CM Naib Singh Saini remarked, "I met with Delhi’s residents. They've shared that a mere 35 km from Haryana, Delhi residents are forced to drink dirty water. Kejriwal had promised to clean the Yamuna, but now 28 drains are discharging dirty water. He is responsible for this." Saini further commented, "It seems people are ready to show Kejriwal the way out."
Anil Vij Criticizes
After the Chief Minister, Haryana minister Anil Vij targeted Kejriwal, accusing him of being a factory of lies... He recommended taking journalists and analysts to the point where the Yamuna enters Delhi. Let them assess the water quality there, and again in Delhi. The difference will be evident. It was Kejriwal’s duty to clean the Yamuna in Delhi, a task he has failed to accomplish.
