Today(on 13th June), The Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to urgently seek water supply from the Upper Yamuna River Board due to a severe water crisis. Himachal Pradesh’s reversal on surplus water availability prompted the court to intervene. The court also addressed the issue of water wastage and the activities of the tanker mafia in Delhi.
Amid severe water scarcity in Delhi, the Delhi Police, under Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena’s orders, have increased patrolling around Munak Canal to counter the tanker mafia’s control of water supplies. This follows criticism from the Supreme Court of the AAP-led Delhi government, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to address the water crisis and underlying mismanagement.
![[Water crisis in Delhi] Can't take Action against Tanker Mafia as it operates From Haryana, AAP Govt tells SC](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MicrosoftTeams-image-53.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Supreme Court ordered Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of water to Delhi amid a water crisis, with Haryana instructed not to obstruct the flow. The Court also directed the Upper Yamuna River Board to measure the water flow. This decision came in response to Delhi’s plea for additional water during the extreme heatwave.
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.