“Despite the tanker mafia’s operations, the Delhi government is not taking action. If the Delhi government cannot act, we may direct the Delhi police to intervene,” the Supreme Court remarked.
![[BREAKING] 'Why No action Against Tanker Mafia?' SC Questions Delhi Govt. Amid Water Crisis](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-10-135943.png?resize=820%2C461&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: Today (12th June): The Supreme Court raised concerns about the persistent water crisis in Delhi, particularly scrutinizing the Delhi Government’s actions against the tanker mafia.
During the hearing, the Court emphasized the rampant activities of the “tanker mafia” and demanded an account of the measures the Delhi government has implemented to tackle this problem.
The case was heard by a bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and P. B. Varale.
The Court demanded an explanation from the Delhi government on the measures taken to prevent water shortages.
“Despite the tanker mafia’s operations, the Delhi government is not taking action. If the Delhi government cannot act, we may direct the Delhi police to intervene,” the Supreme Court remarked.
“Why were false statements made before this court? If water is being sourced from Himachal Pradesh, where is it going in Delhi? There is significant spillage, tanker mafias, etc. What measures have you taken in this regard?” the bench questioned.
The court highlighted that the people of Delhi are suffering due to the water crisis.
“People are suffering, and we see visuals on every news channel. What measures have you taken to control water wastage if water scarcity is a recurring problem in the summers?” the bench added.
Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the Delhi Government, stated that action had been taken, including disconnecting water supplies.
On Tuesday, Delhi water minister Atishi accused the BJP-led Haryana government of deliberately and illegally halting the national capital’s water supply.
Citing an affidavit submitted by the Haryana Government to the Supreme Court, Atishi stated,
“The Haryana government has been falsely claiming they have released an adequate water supply to Delhi. Their affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, which includes data on the actual discharge of water, exposes their lie.”
She claimed the Haryana government had reduced water supply to Delhi since May 23.
Previously, On 6th June The Supreme Court acknowledged the urgent water shortage in Delhi and instructed the Himachal Pradesh Government to release 137 cusecs of water to meet the drinking water needs of the national capital amid the heatwave affecting the northern Indian plains.
A Vacation Bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan ordered Himachal Pradesh to release the water the following day, with prior notification to the Haryana government.
The Supreme Court was hearing a petition from the Delhi Government requesting directives for the State of Haryana to facilitate the water supply from Himachal Pradesh to the national capital.
However, during the recent hearing, the Court noted that necessary documents such as the status report and other affidavits were not presented, indicating that the defects in the petition had still not been rectified. This procedural lapse has led to a postponement in resolving what is becoming an increasingly contentious issue involving multiple states.
The Supreme Court today took a strong stand against the Delhi government’s failure to address defects in its petition concerning the water supply from Haryana. The water passes through a canal in Haryana before reaching Delhi, a crucial supply line that has become a point of contention amid the ongoing heatwave.
Despite the counsel representing the Delhi government asserting that the defects had been addressed, the Court insisted on thorough verification. The Court was assured that any remaining defects would be promptly removed, indicating a commitment from the Delhi government to comply with the Court’s directives.
The Delhi Government, in its plea, has requested additional water as a stop-gap emergency measure during the severe heatwave that has gripped the national capital. The city’s administration argues that the extra water supply is essential to cope with the increased demand and to ensure the well-being of its residents during this challenging period.
Previously, the top court had directed the Central government to convene a meeting with all stakeholders involved, who are part of the Upper Yamuna River Board, to address the Delhi government’s urgent water demands. This directive was aimed at fostering a collaborative approach to resolving the water crisis and ensuring a fair distribution of resources among the states involved.
Case Title: Government of NCT of Delhi v. State of Haryana and Ors
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