Today(on June 11), Atishi accused the Haryana government of reducing water flow into Delhi’s canals. AAP disclosed plans to seek Supreme Court intervention to resolve the issue.
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NEW DELHI: In the midst of a deepening water crisis in the national capital exacerbated by severe heatwaves and soaring temperatures, Atishi, a prominent figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi’s Minister, has voiced concerns regarding reduced water supply from neighboring Haryana. Atishi accused the Haryana government today(on 11th June),of decreasing the flow of water into the canals that provide water to Delhi. She also revealed the AAP government’s plan to seek intervention from the Supreme Court once again to address the issue.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Atishi stated,-
“As per the directions of the Upper Yamuna River Board, Haryana had to release 1,050 cusecs of water into the Munak canal. But for the past few days, there has been less supply of water into the Munak canal.”
She highlighted discrepancies in Haryana’s claims regarding water release, adding-
“Haryana was lying that it had released 1,050 cusecs of water. In its affidavit filed with the top court, they have provided data relating to the release of water into the Munak canal which is further diverged into two routes namely CLC (Carrier Line Channel) and DSB (Delhi Sub-Branch). Accordingly, from May 1 to 22, they only released 719 cusecs of water into the CLC and 320 cusecs into the DSB. This means that they had been releasing 1,049 cusecs of water from May 1 to 25.”
Atishi further elaborated on the timing of the reduced water supply, stating-
“Since May 23, there has been a decline in water supply. The decrease coincided with the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi on May 25, indicating a deliberate action. However, their deceptive actions have now been exposed.”
She emphasized the AAP government’s intention to present this data to the Supreme Court to demonstrate Haryana’s non-compliance with the court’s directives.
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“We intend to present this data to the Supreme Court, along with an additional affidavit highlighting the Haryana government’s non-compliance. Our aim is to bring this matter before the highest court for resolution.”
-she asserted.
In addition to legal measures, Atishi mentioned plans to directly address Haryana’s leadership.
“We will also draft a letter to the Chief Minister of Haryana,”
-she added, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the water shortage issue affecting Delhi’s residents during the peak summer season.
The ongoing water crisis has intensified public concern, with the AAP government actively seeking solutions to ensure a consistent and adequate water supply for Delhi. The reduction in water from Haryana’s canals has exacerbated the situation, prompting the AAP to seek judicial intervention to enforce compliance and secure necessary resources.
The ongoing water crisis in Delhi has taken a new turn with the Delhi government exposing what it calls the “lies” of the Haryana government through a recent affidavit filed with the Supreme Court. According to Delhi’s minister, the capital’s water treatment plants are unable to function at full capacity due to an alleged shortfall in water supply from Haryana.
“The water treatment plants in Delhi are operating below their maximum capacity. Despite our repeated correspondence with the Haryana government, they claim to release water to Delhi. However, the truth has been exposed through their affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court.”
– stated Atishi, a Delhi government minister.
The Delhi government approached the Supreme Court to address the critical water shortage in the capital, asserting that the national capital requires an immediate supply of water.
Atishi further elaborated on the situation, pointing out the role of Himachal Pradesh in the matter. The Himachal Pradesh government agreed to supply water to Delhi; Haryana only had to give a pass-through. But it stood against that. This statement underscores the cooperation from Himachal Pradesh and the alleged obstruction by Haryana.
ALSO READ: [Breaking] Delhi Water Crisis: SC Orders HP to Release 137 Cusecs, Directs Haryana Not to Obstruct
The Supreme Court has taken a proactive stance on this issue. On June 6, during the last hearing, the apex court permitted the State of Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of surplus water available with it and directed the Haryana government to facilitate the uninterrupted flow of this surplus water from the Hathnikund barrage to the Wazirabad barrage in Delhi. This directive was aimed at mitigating the drinking water crisis in the national capital.
Atishi highlighted the declining water levels in the Wazirabad barrage as a significant concern.
“Since the issue reached the Supreme Court, there has been a noticeable decrease in the water level at the Wazirabad barrage.”
-she claimed.
This observation raises further questions about the current water management and supply practices affecting Delhi.
On Monday, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of the Delhi government’s plea for the release of surplus water from Himachal Pradesh to June 12. This plea is crucial as the residents of Delhi continue to face severe water shortages, affecting daily life and health standards across the city.
The Delhi government, driven by the immediate need to resolve the water scarcity issue, had approached the Supreme Court, seeking additional water supply from Himachal Pradesh. With Himachal Pradesh willing to supply the surplus water, the matter now hinges on Haryana’s role in facilitating the passage of this water to Delhi.
