Senior AAP leader and Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Tuesday accused Haryana of not releasing Delhi’s share of water since May 1 amid many areas in the national capital grappling with water crisis. She said that the government will be implementing a slew of measures including rationalising supply of water in the city.
Addressing a press conference, she said that the Delhi government is constantly talking to Haryana about the issue and if it is not resolved in the next couple of days, it may approach the Supreme Court over the matter. Atishi said many areas in Delhi are grappling with water shortage and appealed to people to use water judiciously. She also warned that if people do not heed this appeal, the government may have to impose challan for excess use of water in coming days.
Alleging that the Haryana government is not releasing water, she claimed, “Haryana has stopped release of Delhi’s share of water. The water level at Wazirabad was 674.5 feet on May 1. This is the average level that should be maintained. Last year in April, May, and June, the minimum level was maintained at 674.5 feet.†Sharing data, the minister said till May 8, the water level at Wazirabad came down to 672 feet and by May 20 it was at 671 feet and on Tuesday, it declined further to 669.8 feet.
“The borewells that were earlier working six to seven hours have been functional for 14 hours. We have also increased the number of water tankers. Starting today, we are reducing water supply in those areas where it is supplied twice a day to once a day. The rationalised water will be supplied to areas grappling with the water crisis,†she added, appealing to people not to wash vehicles with water pipes. Further, she said, “We may have to issue challans for excess use of water if people do not heed to this public appeal. Misuse of water is highly irresponsible.â€
The Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena in this regard a few days earlier shared that water level of Yamuna river depends upon many factors like weather conditions, temperature, state of precipitation in the catchment area, regeneration of river, etc. He stated, “The water level of Yamuna river @ Wazirabad on a daily basis was far better than the levels measured in May, 2021 and May, 2022. Particularly, the data from 15th May onwards revealed that on each day, the water level @ Wazirabad was higher in May, 2024 as compared to the levels recorded in the years 2021 & 2022 for each day.â€
The BJP has called out Atishi on her statement and said that “it is a blatant lie and deceit with the people of Delhi and an insult to the sentiments of the people of Haryana.†Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said that Delhi’s water crisis is now leaving behind even Chennai.
