'Haryana Not Releasing Delhi's Water Share, AAP Govt May Move SC,' Atishi Says As She Warns Of 'Challan' Amid 'Scarcity'

Delhi Water Crisis: Delhi's Water Minister Atishi alleged that Haryana has not released Delhi's water since May 1. If the issue is not resolved, the Delhi government may approach the Supreme Court.

File Photo of Delhi's Water Minister Atishi

Source : PTI

Delhi Water Crisis: Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi accused Haryana of not releasing the national capital's share of water. She says Haryana has not released Delhi’s share of water since May 1 and so, she has also warned of upcoming steps that the government might take as measures, such as rationalising the supply of water in the national capital.

Atishi asked the residents to use water wisely in the coming days and she also warned of imposing challan for excess use of water. Addressing the issue of water shortage in various areas of Delhi, Atishi in her press conference in Delhi appealed to the residents to be judicious while using it.

Blaming the Haryana government, she said that since May 1 the former has stopped the release of Delhi’s share of water since May 1. She further added that the water level at Wazirabad was 674.5 feet on May 1, which is the average level and that should be maintained. The minister shared the data and claimed that by May 8, the water level at Wazirabad was down to 672 feet. She said that it further declined by May 20 and reached a mark of 671 feet. On Tuesday, it was recorded at 669.8 feet, as per Atishi. 

VIDEO | "Delhi is dependent on Yamuna river for its water supply, and the inflow of water in Yamuna depends on that amount of water released in the river by Haryana. Over the past few weeks, since the beginning of May, Haryana has stopped releasing Delhi's share of water. Since… pic.twitter.com/kNgwXPkycK

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 28, 2024

She further asserted the Delhi government is trying to resolve the issue with Haryana by talking with them about the issue. She also said that if the Haryana government is not ready to resolve the issue in the next couple of days, the Delhi government might knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. 

Rationalised Water In Areas Grappling With Water Crisis, Govt To Mull Challans For Excess Use: Atishi

Talking about the Delhi government measures, she informed that the borewells that were earlier working six to seven hours have been functional for 14 hours and the number of water tankers have also been increased to deal with the water shortage problem. 

"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 water crisis," she added, as quoted by PTI.

However, as a measure to deal with the water crisis, the government is reducing its supply in some areas from twice a day to once a day, from Tuesday itself. According to her, this will help in the rationalising the supply of water and that will be provided to areas grappling with water crisis. 

"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," she warned.