The Delhi government has approached the Supreme Court, seeking additional water supply from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh for at least a month to address the escalating water crisis in the national capital. In its plea, the government highlighted the increased water demand due to the ongoing heatwave conditions and urged neighboring Haryana to release more water to mitigate the crisis.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal emphasized the collective responsibility to meet Delhi’s water needs, calling on the BJP to facilitate intervention with its governments in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. “It is the responsibility of all to work towards fulfilling the water needs of Delhi,” said Kejriwal, urging immediate action to address the scarcity.
Delhi’s Water Minister, Atishi, accused Haryana of withholding Delhi’s rightful share of water. “Delhi is staring at an emergency situation,” she stated at a press conference, announcing several emergency measures to tackle the crisis. She confirmed that the Delhi government would approach the Supreme Court over the issue.
In response, Haryana Minister Kanwar Pal Gurjjar dismissed the allegations, stating that Haryana is already supplying 350 cusecs of water to Delhi. “We are giving water to Delhi because it is the country’s capital. Those who are doing this drama are not able to arrange for their water,” said Gurjjar, accusing the Delhi government of unnecessary theatrics.
To address the immediate crisis, Atishi announced the establishment of a central water tanker control room within the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), to be monitored by an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. “There will be a central command and control room, and people will have to call 1916 if they need a water tanker,” she explained. The central command and control room will coordinate with the water tanker control room to respond to calls.
From June 5, additional measures will include the deployment of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)-level officers at the 11 water zones in Delhi. These officers will assess the situation in areas facing acute water shortages and ensure the deployment of water tankers as needed.
