In its plea filed in the Supreme Court, the Delhi government has requested the release of more water from other states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh for a month to tide over the water shortage. Water Minister Atishi announced that a war room had been set up in the DJB for water tanker supply and accused Haryana of not releasing Delhi’s share of water.
New Delhi: The AAP government in Delhi today approached the Supreme Court over the water crisis amid searing heatwave conditions in the national capital.
The Delhi government, in its plea, told the Supreme Court that the water demand in the city has risen significantly due to heatwave conditions, and urged other states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, to release extra water for a month.
In a press conference, Atishi warned that Delhi is facing an “emergency situation” and announced several emergency measures to address the crisis.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) announced that a fine of Rs 2,000 would be slapped on anyone found wasting water.
Water Minister Atishi announced that a war room had been set up in the DJB for water tanker supply and accused Haryana of not releasing Delhi’s share of water. She said that those who require a water tanker in their area can dial 1916 for assistance.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the BJP leaders to keep their political differences aside and work together to tackle the water crisis in the national capital.
“In this scorching heat, the demand for water has increased a lot. The water that Delhi used to get from the neighbouring states has also been reduced. That means the demand has increased a lot and the supply has been reduced. We all have to solve this together. I see that BJP colleagues are protesting against us. This will not solve the problem,”
-Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi on Friday.
Atishi stated that the Delhi Government is filing a case with the Supreme Court to compel Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to release Delhi’s designated water share. She explained that water collected at the Wazirabad water pond is crucial for supplying water to treatment plants and subsequently to households across the city.
In a plea filed by advocate Shadan Farasat, the Delhi government urgently requested Haryana to release surplus water received from Himachal Pradesh through the Wazirabad barrage. This request comes as the national capital grapples with a heatwave, with temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius and a severe water shortage causing frequent supply cuts and disrupting residents’ daily lives.
Due to Haryana’s non-compliance, the water level at Wazirabad has dropped significantly, impacting water supply.
In a press conference, Atishi warned that Delhi is facing an “emergency situation” and announced several emergency measures to address the crisis.
“We will approach the Supreme Court itself regarding Haryana not releasing Delhi’s share of water,” she stated.
A central water tanker control room is being established in the Delhi Jal Board, monitored by an Indian Administrative Service officer.
“There will be a central command and control room. People will call 1916 if they need a water tanker. This command center will inform the water tanker control room about the requests. Starting June 5, ADM and SDM-level officers will be deployed in Delhi’s 11 water zones to assess hotspots facing shortages and deploy water tankers accordingly,” she said.
Additionally, teams in the DJB’s electrical department will work round the clock to address complaints related to borewells.
The plea emphasized the need for additional water as an emergency measure during the current season, to be routed through Haryana, since Himachal Pradesh does not border Delhi.
The Delhi Government clarified that it is not seeking to resolve any inter-State water disputes or requesting an increased water supply at this time.
Atishi attributed these emergency measures to the dual challenges of Delhi’s heatwave and Haryana’s failure to release adequate water. The Government is establishing a central water tanker war room to coordinate tanker distribution, headed by a senior IAS officer.
“There will be 200 enforcement teams led by an IAS officer to check water wastage and issue challans. From Friday, using potable water at construction sites will be banned, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will inspect and take action against violators.
“Similarly, there will be a ban on using drinking water for washing cars and at car-service centers. Teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee will inspect these centers, and those found violating the ban will be sealed,” Atishi said.
She urged residents to use water judiciously.
“We are in an emergency situation due to the heatwave and Haryana not releasing Delhi’s share of water,” the minister said.
The Government held an emergency meeting regarding the water crisis amid a severe heatwave, with temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius in parts of the city.
The water levels at Delhi’s primary sources, the Sonia Vihar and Bhagirathi barrages, are already at their maximum capacity.
The plea pointed out that Haryana has not yet responded to requests for assistance with the water shortage, prompting the current urgent plea. It was stressed that the immediate release of surplus water is crucial, as Delhi hosts a workforce that manages the affairs of the entire country.
The Government plans to enforce a ban on using potable water at construction sites, with MCD teams tasked to seal sites found violating this rule. Similarly, DPCC teams will inspect vehicle service stations to ensure they aren’t using DJB’s water supply for washing, sealing those found in violation.
Additionally, measures are in place to ensure borewells operate efficiently, with specialized teams assigned to this task. Atishi appealed for cooperation from residents, emphasizing the importance of conserving water during this crisis.
The plea was prepared by advocates Shadan Farasat, Natasha Maheshwari, and Harshit Anand.
