Delhi Arranges Water Supply from Neighboring States to
Combat Severe Crisis

Los Angeles/Jun 10, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

India’s Supreme Court has ruled that neighboring states must release water to alleviate Delhi's severe water crisis, emphasizing that water should not be politicized.

Following an unprecedented heatwave that has parched northern India, Delhi will receive water from neighboring states to address the severe shortage. The Supreme Court directed Himachal Pradesh to release its surplus water to Delhi and instructed Haryana to ensure the smooth flow of this water to the capital.

Himachal Pradesh is set to supply Delhi with 137 cusecs of water in the coming days.

“The Haryana government should ensure that the water from Himachal Pradesh reaches Wazirabad in Delhi without any obstruction so that the residents receive drinking water,” the court stated.

The court stressed that there should be no political maneuvering over water.

This ruling offers much-needed relief to Delhi's residents, who have been struggling with water shortages this summer and relying heavily on water tankers.

Last week, Delhi requested additional water supplies from neighboring states due to severe scarcity amid an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures nearing 50°C.

Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, appealed to the central government to facilitate water supply. “If the BJP engages with its governments in Haryana and UP to secure water for Delhi for a month, it will be greatly appreciated by the people of Delhi,” he said.

“Extreme heat is beyond our control, but collective efforts can provide relief to the people.”

Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi praised the decision as a “victory” for the city’s residents. “I commend the Supreme Court for supporting Delhi’s people during this severe water crisis,” she wrote on social media. “This calls for coordinated effort above all else, and the SC’s order is a triumph for Delhi's right to water.”

Delhi has been grappling with a water crisis, accusing Haryana of withholding its share of water. The government has imposed stringent measures to conserve water, including fines for wastage and disconnection of illegal water connections.

Despite these measures, many residents were not receiving enough water. In central Delhi, water supply was limited to 2-3 hours in many areas, forcing residents to spend a significant portion of their earnings on bottled water.

“I spend 100-200 rupees on water bottles, which is one-third of my daily earnings,” said Vinod, a 32-year-old cart puller.

A central control room and a helpline number (1916) were set up for residents to request water tankers.

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