In a dramatic twist in the Supreme Court battle over Delhi’s severe water crisis, Himachal Pradesh has reversed its earlier claim of releasing surplus water to the national capital. This comes just a day after the hill state indicated that it had released water, which needed to pass through Haryana to reach Delhi.
As Delhi grapples with the twin challenges of a heatwave and a water shortage, the Supreme Court had directed Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of surplus water to aid the parched city, with instructions for Haryana to facilitate its flow. The court emphasized that the drinking water shortage in Delhi has become an “existential problem.”
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had initially confirmed the release of water, stating, “We have released water. We have asked advocates to inform the Supreme Court about this. The water we have released, we are ready to give that water. There are no ifs and buts.”
However, in a surprising U-turn, Himachal Pradesh’s counsel informed the court that the 137 cusecs of water was actually “unutilised after use of irrigation and part of the natural course of river flow.” The counsel acknowledged a communication error, stating, “Maybe we made a mistake earlier, but I have been briefed. I will correct and withdraw the earlier statement that flow was obstructed.”
This reversal prompted a stern warning from the court: “We can haul you up for contempt and summon your Chief Secretary.” The Himachal government counsel apologized and agreed to submit an affidavit withdrawing the previous response.
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The Upper River Yamuna Board has been tasked with finding a resolution to the issue. The board had previously stated that Himachal Pradesh should demonstrate it has been releasing the 137 cusecs of unutilised water for Delhi following the court’s June 6 ruling. In an affidavit, the board cited a letter from Himachal Pradesh to Haryana, asserting that the unutilised water was already flowing to the Hathnikund barrage and that Haryana should release it to Delhi.
The water shortage in Delhi has exacerbated the discomfort caused by the ongoing heatwave, with residents in several areas suffering from a lack of drinking water. The situation is further complicated by the activities of the tanker mafia, which the court has criticized. The bench questioned the Aam Aadmi Party government on its measures to counter water wastage and the tanker mafia, demanding evidence of actions or FIRs lodged against the illegal operators.
Delhi’s water minister Atishi accused government officials of reducing the number of Delhi Jal Board water tankers without her knowledge, allegedly aiding the tanker mafia. She has called for an inquiry into the alleged collusion between senior officials and the tanker mafia, and has written to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena seeking an investigation.
The Haryana government has refuted Delhi’s allegations, with Minister of State for Irrigation and Water Resources Abhe Singh Yadav asserting, “Haryana is diligently fulfilling its commitment to provide water to Delhi. Haryana not only meets but exceeds its obligations in this regard.”
The Supreme Court continues to hear the Delhi government’s petition seeking a directive for Haryana to release the surplus water reportedly provided by Himachal Pradesh to alleviate the capital’s water crisis.
