Delhi Govt Approaches SC Amid Water Crisis

The Delhi Government has petitioned the Supreme Court to direct Haryana to release water to the drought-stricken capital.

Highlighting the severe heatwave in northern India, particularly in Delhi, the plea mentions a significant increase in water demand in the city. Despite implementing all possible administrative measures for efficient use, rationing, and targeted distribution, Delhi faces a severe shortage and thus needs additional water.

The petition further states that Delhi, being a downstream Union Territory, is requesting extra water due to the urgent situation caused by this year's dry, arid summer. This request does not affect any inter-state water disputes or Delhi's claims over shared resources and is meant as a temporary solution until the monsoon arrives or temperatures drop.

Amid the water crisis, Delhi water minister Atishi Marlena announced last Wednesday that anyone wasting water would be fined Rs. 2000. Additionally, 200 teams have been deployed since May 30 to enforce this by targeting car washing with pipes, overflowing tanks, and using domestic water for construction or commercial purposes.

The petition also notes that Himachal Pradesh has agreed to share its surplus water with Delhi. However, since it does not border Delhi directly, the water must pass through Haryana's existing channels to reach Delhi at the Wazirabad barrage.

In this context, the plea explains that the Delhi government has asked Haryana for cooperation, but Haryana has not agreed yet. Therefore, the Delhi government seeks court orders for Haryana to cooperate and release the water, including the surplus water from Himachal Pradesh.

The plea emphasises that Delhi hosts many migrants from across India, including from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, Haryana has a reciprocal duty to assist Delhi in addressing its water and sanitation crisis.

The plea also underscores the urgency of resolving the crisis, noting that a significant portion of the workforce resides in Delhi, and the water shortage could have a ripple effect nationwide.

The Aam Aadmi Party, which governs Delhi, has accused the BJP-led Haryana government of withholding Delhi's water share since May 1.