Delhi Police, under orders from Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena, have intensified patrolling around Munak Canal to curb the tanker mafia’s control of water supplies, following severe criticism from the Supreme Court of the AAP-led Delhi government.
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DELHI: Amid escalating tensions due to a severe water shortage in the national capital, Delhi Police have initiated stringent patrolling measures around Munak Canal, a hotspot allegedly dominated by the tanker mafia. The enhanced security presence aims to curb the illicit control of water supplies, a situation that has provoked severe public and legal scrutiny.
The decision for increased police activity was prompted by instructions from Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena, who called for greater vigilance in response to the Supreme Court’s severe criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government. The apex court’s censure came into the spotlight during a recent hearing where it questioned the Delhi government’s efforts to combat the illegal water distribution network.
During the session, the Supreme Court expressed its exasperation with the ongoing water mismanagement issues in Delhi.
“There is a significant issue with the tanker mafia. Have you taken any action? The water is being controlled by the tanker mafia, and you’re not addressing it.”
–Justice PK Mishra remarked, highlighting the urgent need for governmental intervention.
The court was addressing the Delhi government’s plea, which sought the release of surplus water from Himachal Pradesh to alleviate the city’s water woes.
The presence of the tanker mafia at Munak Canal, locally known as Bawana Nahar, has been a long-standing concern, with numerous allegations pointing towards a significant diversion of water resources by unauthorized entities. This illegal activity not only exacerbates the water scarcity in Delhi but also deprives many residents of their fundamental right to access clean water.
In light of these challenges, the police deployment around Munak Canal is seen as a crucial step towards restoring order and ensuring that the water distribution mechanisms are free from corruption and exploitation. The move aligns with broader efforts to enforce law and order in the region while addressing the systemic issues highlighted by the highest court of the country.
A bench of the Delhi High Court, comprising Justice PB Varale, expressed its concerns over the issue during a recent hearing.
“Why were false statements made before this court? Water is coming from Himachal Pradesh, so where does it go in Delhi? There’s considerable spillage, involvement of tanker mafias, etc. What actions have you taken to address these issues? People are suffering; visuals on every news channel depict this. How have you tackled water wastage, especially with recurring summer water scarcity?”
-the bench observed orally.
The court questioned the Delhi government about the steps it has taken so far to address the water crisis.
“If you’re not taking action, should we take over? Every channel is showing that the tanker mafia is operating in Delhi.”
-the bench remarked, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the widespread coverage of the issue by media channels.
In the midst of these developments, BJP leaders have taken proactive steps to address the problem. On Wednesday, they met with the Delhi Police chief, demanding the formation of a special investigation team and the registration of an FIR over the alleged theft of water from the Munak Canal and other sources by the tanker mafia.
The complaint submitted by the BJP leaders urged the Delhi Police to take swift action. “You are further requested to form a special investigation team to conduct a thorough probe to ensure action against the tanker mafia for theft of water from the Munak canal and any government official conniving with them,” the complaint addressed to the Delhi police chief read.
The water crisis in Delhi has been exacerbated by the intense heatwave sweeping across the city. On Thursday, numerous videos emerged showing people lining up around water tankers in various parts of the city, desperate for a share of the precious resource.
The situation has put a spotlight on the broader issues of water management and infrastructure in Delhi. While the source of the water supply, Himachal Pradesh, continues to send water, the distribution within Delhi appears to be fraught with inefficiencies and illegal activities.
The High Court’s pointed questions and the BJP’s demands for a thorough investigation indicate a growing recognition of the need for urgent and decisive action to address both the immediate water shortage and the underlying issues of mismanagement and corruption.
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As Delhi continues to battle the scorching summer heat, the resolution of the water crisis remains a top priority. The government’s response and the actions of the Delhi Police in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the tanker mafia can be curbed and the water supply can be stabilized for the city’s residents.
