The Delhi government on Thursday announced emergency measures to tackle water crisis in the state amid unprecedented heatwave.
Delhi Minister Atishi said that the government will set up central water tanker war room and 200 enforcement teams to check water-wastage.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Delhi Minister Atishi said the Delhi government is banning the use of drinking water from being used for washing and repair centres.
"There are many car repair and car washing centres that are using Delhi Jal Board's drinking water. We are banning the use of drinking water by the Delhi Jal Board from being used in car washing and repair centres. From tomorrow, teams of DPCC will conduct inspections of car washing and repairing centres. I want to appeal to people of Delhi... right now, Delhi is facing an emergency situation because of heatwave and water not being released from Haryana," Delhi Minister Atishi said.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, who was also present in the press conference, said that the Health Secretary and CEO of Delhi Jal Board were given leave without informing the Delhi ministers.
"Delhi is witnessing heatwave conditions right now, it was expected in the weather forecast as well. Two important departments, during such times are the Health and Water Department. Without taking any permission or informing the ministers, the Health Secretary and DJB CEO are on leave. I am also unwell... it is shocking that heads of two important departments have been granted leave without informing ministers," Saurabh Bharadwaj said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Atishi wrote to Delhi Jal Board CEO directing him to immediately deploy 200 teams across Delhi to crackdown on washing of cars with pipes, overflow of water tanks and use of domestic water supply for commercial purposes. The Delhi minister said washing cars with hose, using domestic water for commercial purposes and overflowing water tanks in Delhi will attract a Rs 2,000 fine.