Summary:Delhi is experiencing a severe water crisis, with AAP minister Atishi accusing Haryana of withholding the capital’s rightful share of water. Under an agreement, Delhi should receive 1,050 cusecs daily via the Munak Canal, but the supply has dropped significantly, reaching only 840 cusecs on June 7. This reduction is affecting key water treatment plants across the city, raising fears of widespread chaos. Despite the Supreme Court’s involvement, Atishi claims Haryana is intentionally releasing less water, exacerbating the situation for Delhi’s residents. The Delhi government is urging Haryana to comply with the agreement to prevent further disruption.
Delhi, June 8, 2024 – The capital city of Delhi is grappling with a severe water crisis, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister Atishi raising alarms about the situation. On Saturday, Atishi accused the neighbouring state of Haryana of withholding Delhi’s rightful share of water, warning of potential chaos if the issue is not resolved swiftly.
Atishi emphasized that under an established agreement involving Haryana, Delhi, and the Upper Yamuna region, Delhi is entitled to receive 1,050 cusecs of water daily through the Munak Canal. However, the actual supply has been significantly lower. “Two sub-canals of the Munak Canal supply this water, and it’s measured by a flow meter. Historically, about 980 to 1,000 cusecs reach Delhi. However, since June 1, this flow has significantly decreased. On June 7, only 840 cusecs were delivered,” she explained.
This reduction in water supply has already started impacting several of Delhi’s key water treatment plants, including those at Bawana, Nangloi, Haiderpur, Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Okhla. The minister warned that the entire city could face chaos if the situation persists. “Water goes to 7 plants of Delhi through this canal. If water does not reach here, then there will be chaos in the entire Delhi,” Atishi cautioned.
Atishi pointed out that despite the Supreme Court’s active involvement in addressing Delhi’s water issues, Haryana’s actions are worsening the crisis. “We are at the entry point of water in Delhi, and the flow meter shows a significant drop in water yesterday. The Haryana government must explain where the water is going if they are releasing the full amount. It is impossible for 100-150 cusecs to simply disappear. This indicates that Haryana is intentionally releasing less water, causing distress to Delhi’s residents and defying the Supreme Court’s directive,” she added.
The situation remains tense as Delhiites await a resolution. The reduced water flow threatens the capital’s water supply, impacting millions of residents and potentially leading to widespread disruptions. The Delhi government is urging Haryana to comply with the agreement and the Supreme Court’s directive to avert a full-blown crisis.
As the dispute continues, the residents of Delhi brace for the potential fallout, hoping for a swift resolution to ensure their essential water needs are met.