Delhi govt plea for surplus water: Supreme Court says emergent meet be held on June 5

Supreme Court orders emergency meeting on Delhi's water crisis as Delhi seeks additional water from Haryana

Published on: Jun 3, 2024, 13:22:34 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Supreme Court said on Monday an emergent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) be held on June 5 so that the problem of water scarcity in Delhi is properly addressed. The Supreme Court was hearing a Delhi government plea seeking a direction to Haryana to release the surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to Delhi to mitigate its ongoing water crisis.

Residents fill water from a tanker amid water crisis, at the Vivekanand Camp in Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi, Friday, May 31, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kamal Singh)

The court will hear Delhi's plea for additional water from Haryana on June 6 and has requested the minutes of the meeting and suggestions on the steps taken.

ALSO READ- Delhi’s water augmentation plans fail to take off

As India's capital faces a severe water shortage, many residents are waiting in long queues for water tankers. On May 31, the Delhi government approached the Supreme Court to request additional water from Haryana immediately.

ALSO READ- Delhi water crisis deepens, ₹2,000 fine for these activities | 8 points

The Delhi government said it filed the petition due to the acute water shortage caused by severe heat conditions in North India, especially in Delhi. The plea requested Haryana to "immediately and continuously release water at the Wazirabad barrage."

ALSO READ- Arvind Kejriwal's ‘appeal’ to BJP over acute water crisis in Delhi

Delhi water minister Atishi said the heatwave has increased water demand while the water level in the Yamuna has decreased. She said the water level at the Wazirabad pond was 674.5 ft last year, but only 671 ft of water has been released despite multiple requests. This has affected all water treatment plants due to low water levels in the Wazirabad barrage. Atishi said that they have requested more water from the Haryana and UP governments.

ALSO READ- Delhi: Residents scramble with vessels after tanker amid water crisis| Video

In response to the crisis, the Delhi government announced on May 30 that a central control room would be set up to monitor the water supply across the city. The control room will be led by an IAS officer. Atishi also announced a helpline number, '1916', for residents to request water tankers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.