The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): As Delhi grapples with an acute water crisis exacerbated by the current heatwave, Water Minister Atishi announced that the Delhi government will petition the Supreme Court on Thursday, 30 May, urging them to address Haryana’s failure to release Delhi’s allocated water share. This situation has pushed the city towards an “emergency situation,” as described by Atishi during a press briefing.
Atishi detailed several immediate steps to mitigate the water scarcity. A central command center for water distribution will be operational from 5 June, managed by Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. Residents in need of water can request tankers by calling 1916, which will coordinate with a new central water tanker control room.
In addition, from Friday, enforcement teams will monitor and prevent water wastage. The use of potable water for non-essential purposes like car washing and construction will be strictly prohibited, with violators facing penalties and potential site closures.
The minister emphasized the urgency of the crisis, linking the shortage to both the ongoing heatwave and Haryana’s non-compliance in releasing the water owed to Delhi. “We are in an emergency situation. This situation is due to the heatwave and Haryana not releasing Delhi’s share of water,” Atishi remarked.
As the city’s temperatures soar to near 50 degrees Celsius, the government convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating water crisis, signifying the critical nature of this environmental challenge.