The national capital of Delhi is experiencing an escalating water crisis. According to the Kejriwal government, there is a daily shortage of 50 million gallons. Entire neighborhoods are dependent on just one or two water tankers. The Supreme Court has conducted a hearing on the water crisis which spanned several hours. Meanwhile, instead of finding a permanent solution, politics continue to heat up. The Delhi government blames the 'tanker mafia' for the crisis. On the other hand, the BJP state president, Virender Sachdeva demanded that citizens remove the current government soon. In the case of the water crisis, the Himachal government also backtracked on its statement and declined to supply.
The Congress government of Himachal Pradesh says that they do not have the 137 cusecs of additional water to spare for Delhi. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh had stated it would supply an extra 137 cusecs of water to Delhi, but now they have declined, stating that there is no excess water available. Delhi relies heavily on neighboring states Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh for over 90% of its drinking water supply. Almost 40% of this supply comes from sources like the Yamuna River.
The Supreme Court has commented, 'The case is complex...'
For now, no solution to the water crisis appears in sight. The Supreme Court has explicitly told the Aam Aadmi Party government to approach the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) and seek additional water on humanitarian grounds. The Supreme Court stated that the matter related to the sharing of Yamuna water between states is complicated. Without technical expertise, the court is unable to make an interim decision. The court implied that the UYRB had already asked the Delhi government to file an application for water supply on humanitarian grounds and should convene a meeting for this purpose on Friday. The court instructed for a speedy decision on the issue of water.
What has the Delhi government said in Supreme Court...
In fact, the Delhi government has filed a response to the Supreme Court regarding the water shortage and alleged that the 'tanker mafia' is operating on the Haryana side of the Yamuna. Haryana must ensure a constant and uninterrupted water supply, and it should be clarified what steps have been taken in this regard. The lawyer for the Delhi government, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, mentioned that both the Haryana and Delhi police should take stern action against the tanker mafia at their borders. If the court takes severe action against such people, it will set an example for others and they will retreat.
The court asked, 'What action have you taken against tanker mafias?'
Earlier, the court questioned the Delhi government about actions taken against the tanker mafias when people are struggling with water scarcity. The court emphasized the need for actions against wastage of water and the tanker mafia. If no action has been taken against the tanker mafias, the court will instruct the Delhi Police to act.
Following a Supreme Court order on June 6th to alleviate the water shortage, it directed the Haryana government to release, without hindrance, the water being discharged for Delhi by Himachal Pradesh. Politics should not play a role in water distribution.
After a sting operation by Aaj Tak revealed culprits behind Delhi's water crisis, security has been heightened around the Munak canal. Following the orders of Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, police personnel have been deployed to secure the 15-kilometer pipeline originating from the canal. The police of Outer North District have been assigned, and patrolling around Munak canal has increased. There have been reports of police apprehending several tankers and tractors, indicating that enforcement is in action. The Delhi government believes that there has been a 200 cusec decrease in the water coming through the Munak canal over some time.
Keen on conserving and effectively managing Delhi's vital water resources, Minister Aatishi elaborates on steps taken, including installing 3285 bulk flow meters to monitor water distribution.
Severe water shortage hits various regions in Delhi, including Pitampura and Shalimar Bagh. Areas suffer as daily production drops - a critical look at Delhi's water supply needs. Read the latest update here:
says Minister Aatishi.
UYRB formed three decades ago to manage the complex challenge of allocating Yamuna river water shared by multiple states.
BJP leaders address the Delhi water crisis, challenging claims and suggesting proactive dialogue with Himachal Pradesh for solutions rather than evasion by the Delhi government.
Congress gears up for city-wide protests across Delhi to spotlight acute water shortages and pressure governmental change.
