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Watch- A Video Of Arvind Kejriwal From 2015 Going Viral Amid AAP MLA Atishi’s ‘Satyagraha’: Why?

June 21, 2024, 4:41 pm

Amid a scorching heatwave, Delhi is grappling with a severe water shortage, forcing residents to chase water tankers across the city. Political tensions are rising, with AAP Minister Atishi initiating a “Satyagraha” on Friday to press the Haryana government for increased water supply to Delhi. She also penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his immediate intervention in the crisis.

Letter chodo Bhabhi ji hamare paas
CM Arvind Kejriwal ka video hai on Delhi water crisis pic.twitter.com/WazgkDXIqU

— Nandini Idnani ??? (@nandiniidnani69) June 21, 2024

The ongoing political tussle between the AAP and the central government over the water issue has resurfaced a viral 2015 video of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In the video, Kejriwal attributes the city’s water woes to the “tanker mafia,” alleging that despite Delhi producing enough water—84 crore gallons daily, which should suffice for its 2 crore residents—illegal activities by the mafia create artificial shortages. He vows stringent measures against those responsible, promising to send the culprits, including their political allies, to Tihar jail for exacerbating the crisis by pilfering water.

Delhi CM Kejriwal Praises Atishi’s Efforts Amid Water Crisis, Wishes Success

June 21, 2024, 2:34 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal commended Water Minister Atishi for her efforts in addressing the current water crisis in the city. After visiting Rajghat, Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, spoke to party workers and conveyed her husband’s message, praising Atishi’s decision to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Bhogal.

Expressing concern for the people of Delhi suffering from water scarcity, Sunita Kejriwal quoted the Delhi CM as saying, “When I watch TV, I see people of Delhi are suffering due to water scarcity. It hurts me. I hope Atishi’s ‘tapasya’ will succeed and Delhi people will get relief. I wish all the best to Atishi. May God protect her.”

Atishi initiated her hunger strike in Bhogal to demand more water from Haryana, with Sunita Kejriwal present at the event. Before the hunger strike, Atishi, along with Sunita Kejriwal, Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, and other leaders, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before heading to Bhogal.

Atishi stated that Haryana had been providing Delhi with 100 million gallons per day less water than its allocated share of 613 MGD for the past two weeks, affecting 28 lakh people in the capital.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi To Begin ‘Indefinite Fast’ Today Amid Water Crisis

June 21, 2024, 11:55 am

In the midst of a growing dispute between Delhi and Haryana over the water scarcity in the national capital, Delhi Water Minister Atishi announced on Friday that she would embark on a path of ‘Satyagraha’ and commence an ‘indefinite fast’ starting today.

Atishi stated that despite every effort, the Haryana government is not supplying sufficient water to Delhi, leading to 28 lakh people being deprived of water.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader declared that she would first visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, after which she would commence an indefinite fast at Bhogal, Jangpura, at noon.

In an interview with X, Atishi expressed, “Water shortage persists in Delhi. Even today, 28 lakh Delhiites are without water. Despite our best efforts, the Haryana government is not providing Delhi with its full share of water. Mahatma Gandhi taught us that if one has to fight against injustice, one must adopt the path of Satyagraha.”

“I will commence the ‘Water Satyagraha’ from today. I will visit Raj Ghat at 11 am to pay my respects to Gandhiji. I will start an indefinite fast at Bhogal, Jangpura, at 12 o’clock. I will continue the fast until the people of Delhi receive their rightful share of water from Haryana,” she added.

Atishi had previously announced that if Delhi did not receive its “rightful” share of water by June 21, she would be compelled to undertake a ‘Satyagraha’.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has persistently criticized the Delhi government over the water crisis.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj alleged that the crisis had been “orchestrated” by the AAP government to “encourage corruption.”

“Delhi is in a dire state. The entire city is parched and the Kejriwal government is indulging only in theatrics. Delhi minister Atishi, instead of working on the ground and taking adequate steps, is now engaging in mere theatrics and is threatening Delhiites with anshan (fast),” she remarked.

Delhi has been grappling with a water crisis amid scorching temperatures for nearly a month now. Residents in various parts of the city have been forced to line up to collect water from tankers. They have voiced their frustration with the situation, demanding a resolution to their problems.

The political dispute over the water crisis has escalated, with the BJP and AAP at odds. The Congress, which allied with AAP in the Lok Sabha elections, has also criticized the Delhi government on the issue, with Congress’ Delhi president Devender Yadav describing it as a “deception” to the people.

Delhi Water Crisis: Atishi Issues Warning Of Indefinite Strike From June 21

June 19, 2024, 1:39 pm

Delhi’s Water Minister, Atishi, has issued a warning of an indefinite strike starting from June 21 if the water crisis in the capital does not improve. She has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this issue, attributing the crisis to Haryana’s failure to release Delhi’s share of water.

Speaking at a press conference, Atishi highlighted that Delhi is facing a water shortage due to actions taken by Haryana. She stated, “Yesterday, Haryana released 513 MGD of water to Delhi as against 613 MGD. One MGD of water is for 28,500 people. This means that water was not released for over 28 lakh people.” She emphasized that this shortage is adding to the challenges faced by residents dealing with the ongoing heatwave conditions.

Atishi has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and resolve the water crisis. If the situation remains unresolved within two days, she has announced her intention to go on an indefinite strike from June 21. She also mentioned that multiple letters have been sent to the Haryana government in an attempt to resolve the matter.

Delhi Water Crisis: Police Inspect Pipelines Amid Rising Concerns, Politicians Seek Action

June 16, 2024, 8:40 pm

With the water supply crisis worsening in the city, police officials inspected the Jal Board pipelines in the Yamuna Khadar area of northeast Delhi on Sunday and reported no leakage.

After inspecting the pipeline, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Lokendra Sirohi stated, “There is no leakage here. If there is any leakage, we will inform the Jal Board and our control room.”

This inspection followed a letter from Delhi Minister Atishi to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, urging the deployment of police personnel to protect major pipelines in the capital. Atishi’s letter read, “I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days to stop miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with water pipelines which have now become Delhi’s lifelines. At this juncture, any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi.”

The letter also mentioned, “Delhi Jal Board has patrolling teams for our main water distribution network that carries raw water to the Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and then from our WTPs to our main underground reservoirs in different parts of the city. In addition, we have deployed teams under the supervision of ADMs to support in this work.”

Delhi Water Minister Atishi said that the ground patrolling team discovered damaged water supply pipelines in some areas. “Yesterday, our ground patrolling team reported a major leakage in our South Delhi Rising Mains, the main water pipeline that carries water from Sonia Vihar WTP to South Delhi. This was near the DTL substation in Garhi Medhu. Our patrolling team found that several large 375 mm bolts and one 12-inch bolt had been cut from the pipeline, causing the leakage. The fact that several large bolts had been cut seems to indicate foul play and sabotage,” she wrote in a letter.

Atishi further mentioned that the maintenance team worked for six hours to repair the leakage problem, exacerbating the water crisis in South Delhi. “Our maintenance team worked for six hours continuously and repaired the leakage, but this meant that we had to stop pumping water for 6 hours and 20 MGD of water was not pumped during this time. As a consequence, a further 25 percent of water shortage will be experienced in South Delhi,” the letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner read.

Atishi also requested the deployment of police personnel to protect the major pipelines for the next 15 days. “I am writing to request the deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days. This would be very important for putting a stop to miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with our water pipelines, which have now become Delhi’s lifelines. At this juncture, any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi,” she added.

Meanwhile, as Delhi’s water woes escalated amid the prevailing intense heatwave, AAP MLAs accused Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil of not intervening in the matter, while the BJP held a ‘matka-phod’ protest against the Arvind Kejriwal government to highlight the water crisis in Delhi.

MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday reached the residence of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil at BD Marg, seeking his intervention in the issue of water shortage. However, the MLAs were not able to meet CR Patil as he was ‘not available’ at his residence.

AAP MLA Rakhi Birla, speaking on the issue, said, “It is unfortunate that we gave a letter to Minister CR Patil yesterday and today our delegation visited his residence to meet him but we are getting the information that he is not at his residence. We want to request that the minister pay attention to the issue of water shortages in Delhi.”

Another AAP MLA, Rajendra Pal Gautam, stated, “We have been informed that Minister CR Patil is not at his residence. He is aware that there is a water shortage in Delhi, and he should coordinate with the Delhi government in such a situation to solve this issue. We went to the court and wrote to the Union government to intervene in this matter.”

Delhi Water Crisis Deepens: BJP Protests Across City, Jal Board Office Vandalized

June 16, 2024, 6:19 pm

Amid escalating tensions over dwindling water supply in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged widespread protests across 14 locations on Sunday, targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government. The protests, characterized by the symbolic breaking of earthen pots to highlight water scarcity, involved participation from BJP MPs, MLAs, councillors, and state chief Virendra Sachdeva.

Accusations flew as BJP leaders blamed the AAP for mismanagement and corruption, alleging rampant water theft and wastage under their governance. Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP administration, asserting that Delhi’s water woes were exacerbated by negligence and financial mismanagement at the Delhi Jal Board.

BJP MPs like Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Bansuri Swaraj led demonstrations, highlighting issues such as damaged pipelines in Dwarka and alleged mismanagement at the Delhi Jal Board office. They accused the AAP of fabricating a water crisis and failing to maintain crucial infrastructure, despite Delhi having sufficient water reserves.

In response to the protests, Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi accused BJP leaders of vandalizing the Chhatarpur office of the Delhi Jal Board. They condemned the act as a deliberate attempt to undermine the government’s efforts and called for legal action against those responsible.

The BJP, however, has not officially responded to these allegations yet, amidst growing tensions and public outcry over the worsening water crisis in the national capital.

The situation remains tense as political blame-game intensifies while Delhiites continue to grapple with reduced water supply, marking one of the severest shortages in recent times.

Delhi Water Crisis: Atishi Urges Delhi Police For Increased Pipeline Security

June 16, 2024, 4:11 pm

With the water crisis in Delhi worsening, Water Minister Atishi on Sunday appealed to the Delhi Police Commissioner to deploy personnel for patrolling and protecting major pipelines. In a letter to Commissioner Sanjay Arora, she requested heightened security around the city’s pipelines for the next 15 days.

Atishi, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, noted that due to reduced water flow from the Yamuna, water production has dropped by approximately 70 million gallons per day (MGD), leading to shortages across many parts of Delhi.

Atishi’s Letter

“In this situation, every drop of water becomes precious. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has patrolling teams for our main water distribution network that carries raw water to the Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and then from our WTPs to our main underground reservoirs in different parts of the city. In addition, we have deployed teams under the supervision of ADMs to support in this work,” she said.

मैंने दिल्ली पुलिस कमिश्नर को पत्र लिख कर आग्रह किया है कि दिल्ली के मेन वाटर पाइपलाइन नेटवर्क को पुलिस द्वारा सुरक्षा दी जाये। https://t.co/ktVOzu943y pic.twitter.com/u4P7b1P7f2

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) June 16, 2024

The Minister reported that DJB teams discovered deliberate damage to some water supply pipelines. “Yesterday our ground patrolling team reported a major leakage in our South Delhi Rising Mains, the main water pipeline that carries water from Sonia Vihar WTP to South Delhi. This was near the DTL substation in Garhi Medhu. Our patrolling team found that several large 375 mm bolts and one 12-inch bolt had been cut from the pipeline causing the leakage. The fact that several large bolts had been cut seems to indicate foul play and sabotage,” she said.

Atishi stated that while the DJB team repaired the pipeline, the maintenance led to a significant interruption in water supply, worsening the crisis.

“I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days. This would be very important for putting a stop to miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with our water pipelines which have now become Delhi’s lifelines. At this juncture any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi,” she added.

Three Injured in Water Dispute in Dwarka

Delhi police reported receiving two PCR calls on Sunday about a dispute over filling water from a common tap in Dwarka district. “Three people were injured in this dispute and were shifted to Indira Gandhi Hospital. There is no communal angle. Two cross-cases were registered on the statement of both parties. Investigation underway,” the police said.

AAP Leaders at Jal Shakti Minister’s House

#WATCH | AAP MLA Dilip Pandey says “We came here to meet Minister CR Patil to find a solution for the issue of water crisis in Delhi. We got to know that he is not here and we will not be able to meet him today. If the Jal Shakti Minister does interstate coordination, the issue… pic.twitter.com/w3TyI5irzU

— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024

AAP MLAs attempted to meet Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil to discuss the water crisis. “We came here to meet Minister CR Patil to find a solution for the issue of water crisis in Delhi. We got to know that he is not here and we will not be able to meet him today. If the Jal Shakti Minister does interstate coordination, the issue of water shortage will be reduced,” said AAP MLA Dilip Pandey.

BJP, Congress Hold ‘Matka Phod’ Protests

#WATCH | Delhi: On the water shortage in Delhi, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj says, “… This is not a natural problem, it has been created by the AAP. Delhi has sufficient water, and Haryana is releasing more water than agreed upon. In just 10 years, AAP has taken Delhi Jal Board from a… pic.twitter.com/Tn6212uN2E

— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024

The BJP organized a ‘matka-phod’ protest against the AAP government over Delhi’s water shortage. BJP MP from New Delhi, Bansuri Swaraj, participated along with other senior party leaders. “This is not a natural problem, it has been created by the AAP. Delhi has sufficient water, and Haryana is releasing more water than agreed upon. In just 10 years, AAP has taken Delhi Jal Board from a profit of Rs 600 crores in 2013 to a loss of Rs 73000 crores in 2024,” Swaraj said.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, who also participated in the protest, stated, “If there is anyone responsible for the water shortage in Delhi, it is CM Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP government… The water shortage in Delhi is not natural. Delhi has requisite water reserves and Haryana is giving water in quantities more than it is bound to… Water theft and wastage is the basic reason why Delhi is short of water.”

The Delhi Congress, led by its chief Devender Yadav, held similar protests across the city. Yadav demanded a special assembly session to address the issue, accusing both the BJP and AAP governments of neglecting the water crisis while blaming each other.

Delhi BJP Claims AAP Leaders’ Collusion in Illegal Water Connections

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused AAP leaders, including its MLAs and ministers, of conspiring to benefit financially while citizens suffer. Citing an incident in Buddha Vihar, Inder Puri, he alleged that AAP officials were involved in providing illegal water connections for Rs 35,000 each without proper documentation or meters, later attaching them to DJB pipelines.

Sachdeva suggested this was not a case of rogue elements but a coordinated effort with political support, questioning Water Minister Atishi: “If those illegal connections are still running, why were they not legalised?” He asserted that this was done to divert illegal funds to private pockets instead of the government.

Delhi Water Crisis: DJB Office Vandalized, 3 Injured In Dispute Over Tap Access

June 16, 2024, 3:54 pm

The ongoing water crisis in Delhi has led to protests, vandalism, and heated political exchanges throughout the capital. On Sunday, unidentified individuals vandalized the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) office in Chhatarpur amid the severe water shortage. Footage shared by news agency ANI showed shattered window panes and broken earthen pots at the DJB office.

BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri expressed understanding of the public’s anger but condemned the destruction of public property.

“It is natural. The people can do anything when they are angry. I am grateful to the workers who controlled those people…It is the government’s and people’s property. There is no benefit in damaging this property.”

Tensions also rose in the Dwarka district, where a dispute over access to water from a common tap resulted in three people being injured and hospitalized at Indira Gandhi Hospital. The Delhi Police confirmed that two PCR calls were made regarding the incident, and cross-cases have been registered based on statements from both parties. They clarified that there was no communal angle to the conflict and that an investigation is underway. BJP MP Harsh Malhotra accused the AAP government of corruption and mismanagement, claiming, “Delhi government is receiving enough water for the public of Delhi. The shortage that we are facing today is because of their corruption, non-planning, and non-action.”

In response to the escalating crisis, Delhi water minister Atishi wrote to Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, requesting the deployment of personnel to protect major water pipelines from potential sabotage. She said a recent incident involved deliberate damage to a key pipeline in South Delhi, worsening the water shortage.

Read: Before blaming Haryana, Delhi should improve its water distribution system: Saini

BJP MP from North East Delhi, Manoj Tiwari, who led a ‘matka-phod’ (earthen pot breaking) protest, said, “Every year water crisis happens… Who is Atishi cheating? These are lazy people, they neither have any work policy nor any intention, they just want to loot the treasury…I want to tell Atishi that there is a limit to lying…The people of Delhi will punish them.”

Echoing these sentiments, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva blamed the crisis on water theft, tanker mafias, and neglected infrastructure. He criticized the Delhi government for not having a summer action plan and for failing to address issues with the water supply system over the past decade.

BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat and other party workers held a ‘Matka Phod’ protest in Delhi’s Najafgarh. She also inspected a water pipeline in Dwarka and reported significant water wastage due to broken pipes.

“Private water tankers are costing them a lot of money and they are unable to avail government tankers…,” Sehrawat said, urging the Delhi government to address these infrastructural issues.

Bansuri Swaraj, BJP MP from New Delhi, accused the AAP government of fabricating the crisis, saying, “Delhi has an ample amount of water, and Haryana is discharging more water than the agreement. However, the AAP government in its one-decade-long governance brought Delhi Jal Board into 7,300 crore of loss…They made no repairs in Delhi Jal Board’s infrastructure and 40 per cent of water gets wasted or stolen by illegal tanker mafias, backed by the AAP government.”

Delhi Water Crisis: AAP Asks For Pipeline Protection; BJP Criticizes Kejriwal

June 16, 2024, 12:16 pm

Delhi is experiencing a severe water crisis. Water Minister Atishi from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has asked for police protection for the city’s water pipelines. She claims that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) found signs of sabotage at several locations. In a letter to the police commissioner, Atishi requested police to guard the major pipelines for 15 days. She fears that any tampering could worsen the water shortage.

She states “I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days. This would be very important for putting a stop to miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with our water pipelines which have now become Delhi’s lifelines. At this juncture any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi,”

The DJB patrolling team reported damage to pipelines in South Delhi. They discovered that bolts had been cut from the main pipeline, causing significant water leakage. Atishi believes this is a deliberate act of sabotage.

On the other side, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is holding protests against the AAP government. BJP leader Kamaljeet Sehrawat criticized the Delhi government for the water shortage. She said residents are struggling to get water and have to rely on expensive private tankers. Sehrawat accused the Delhi government of mismanaging the water supply and urged Atishi to address the issues in her department.

This conflict between AAP and BJP highlights the urgent need for solutions to Delhi’s water crisis. Both parties are under pressure to ensure the city has a stable water supply.

Delhi Water Crisis: Congress, BJP Hold ‘Matka Phod’ Protests Against Delhi Govt

June 15, 2024, 5:25 pm

As the water shortage in the national capital worsens during a severe heatwave, workers from the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized separate ‘Matka Phod’ protests across Delhi on Saturday. These protests aimed to criticize the current Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its perceived mishandling of the crisis. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav participated in the protest at Yusuf Sarai, highlighting the severity of the water crisis affecting residents.

In Krishna Nagar, a Congress member lamented, “The public is being deceived regarding water. The poorest suffer the most. Governments are shifting blame instead of preparing in advance. The Congress will conduct ‘Matka Phod’ protests to awaken the inactive government, which has colluded with water tanker mafias.”

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP holds protest against water crisis near Delhi Minister Atishi's office. pic.twitter.com/S11t0uLvb4

— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2024

Meanwhile, BJP workers carried ‘matkas’ on their heads at a demonstration outside Delhi Minister Atishi’s office, slamming the gates in protest. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Congress for its “selective association” with AAP, asserting that the ongoing water crisis reflects years of corruption and mismanagement under AAP’s rule.

In response to the escalating crisis, Delhi Water Minister Atishi chaired a review meeting with officials from Delhi Jal Board and Urban Development Department. With temperatures rising nationwide, groundwater levels are plummeting, exacerbating the acute water shortage in the city. A recent video showed desperate residents chasing water tankers and even attempting to connect pipes while the vehicles were still in motion in Chanakyapuri.

The Delhi government’s plea to the Supreme Court for immediate additional water highlighted the gravity of the situation. However, the court deferred the decision to the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB), citing the complexity of inter-state water disputes. Himachal Pradesh, initially agreeing to provide surplus water, later retracted its statement, further complicating Delhi’s water supply prospects.

Amid these developments, Atishi and AAP MP Raghav Chadha met with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently detained in Tihar jail, to strategize on mitigating the crisis promptly.

Delhi Water Crisis: Viral Video Shows Crowd ‘Hijacking’ Moving Water Tanker

June 13, 2024, 11:57 pm

As temperatures soar across much of India, groundwater levels are plummeting, exacerbating the already severe water scarcity in many regions. This situation recently unfolded dramatically in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri area, where a startling video captured locals chasing after and even climbing onto a moving water tanker in desperate attempts to access water.

#WATCH | Delhi: People queue up near a water tanker to fill water in Chanakyapuri’s Vivekananda Camp as water crisis continues in the National Capital. pic.twitter.com/XX7Pg83gaC

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024

The video, initially shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by news agency ANI, depicts a chaotic scene in Chanakyapuri’s Vivekananda Camp. As the water tanker slowed down, people rushed towards it with buckets and pipes, some even climbing onto the tanker to insert their pipes directly into it without waiting for it to stop.

The footage quickly went viral, garnering widespread attention and leaving netizens stunned by the desperation and potential risks involved. Concerns were raised about the safety hazards created by such chaotic scenes around water tankers.

ANI’s caption accompanying the video highlighted the ongoing water crisis in the National Capital, stating, “Delhi: People queue up near a water tanker to fill water in Chanakyapuri’s Vivekananda Camp as water crisis continues in the National Capital.” The video has since amassed over 374K views, underscoring the gravity of the water scarcity issue and the extreme measures people are resorting to amid the crisis.

Delhi Water Crisis: Delhiites Suffer Long Queues for Essential Supply

June 13, 2024, 12:07 pm

As summer scorches on, Delhi residents are struggling with a severe water Crisis. In Chanakyapuri’s Vivekananda Camp, long lines of people were seen around water tankers on Thursday, carrying buckets and cans to get water.

#WATCH | Delhi: People queue up near a water tanker to fill water in Chanakyapuri’s Vivekananda Camp as water crisis continues in the National Capital. pic.twitter.com/XX7Pg83gaC

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024

The situation is just as bad in Geeta Colony, East Delhi. On Wednesday, residents gathered around water tankers to fill their containers because the piped water supply is unreliable. These tankers are now crucial for many neighborhoods.

#WATCH | People queue up near a water tanker to fill water in East Delhi’s Geeta Colony area as water crisis continues in the National Capital. pic.twitter.com/sR1c2reSm2

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024

Delhi Water Minister Atishi has raised concerns about fewer water tankers being provided by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) without her approval. She has asked Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to investigate the alleged involvement of the chief secretary and DJB’s CEO with a tanker mafia. Atishi suggested suspending these officials during the investigation to avoid interference.

As Delhi faces this ongoing water crisis, residents are enduring long waits and struggles for water, underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions. She also asked the LG to assign a senior police officer to patrol the Munak Canal to stop illegal water collection by private tankers. Additionally, Atishi wants more district and subdivisional magistrates to check for and fix leaks in the water pipelines.

Delhi Water Crisis: Police Increase Vigilance At Munak Canal Amid Tanker Mafia Concerns

June 13, 2024, 11:57 am

As Delhi grapples with a severe water Crisis, authorities have intensified police patrolling around the Munak Canal to curb the activities of the alleged tanker mafia. The move follows directives from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena, who urged for heightened vigilance in response to Supreme Court criticism of the city’s administration over water mismanagement.

The Supreme Court recently chastised the Delhi government for its failure to address the pervasive issue of tanker mafia, questioning the efficacy of measures taken against the exploitation of water resources. Justices PK Mishra and PB Varale raised concerns over reports of widespread water wastage and the unchecked influence of tanker operators in the national capital.

In response to mounting pressure, BJP leaders have met with the Delhi Police chief, advocating for the establishment of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe allegations of water theft from the Munak Canal and other sources by the tanker mafia. They have also demanded the registration of FIRs against those involved in the illicit trade of water.

#WATCH | Delhi: People queue up near a water tanker to fill water in Chanakyapuri’s Vivekananda Camp as water crisis continues in the National Capital. pic.twitter.com/XX7Pg83gaC

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024

The water crisis in Delhi has exacerbated amid scorching temperatures, with citizens enduring long queues at water tanker distribution points across various parts of the city. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address water scarcity and curb illegal activities impacting the availability of essential resources.

Local authorities continue to face scrutiny and public outcry as they navigate the challenges posed by the water crisis, emphasizing the critical importance of sustainable water management practices in India’s capital city.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi Requests Urgent Meeting With LG As City’s Water Crisis Escalates

June 9, 2024, 11:46 am

Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi said on Sunday that she had sought time from Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena for an emergency meeting to apprise him of the “inadequate water” being released by the Haryana government from the Munak Canal.

She added that if the amount of water does not increase today, the water crisis in the city will worsen in two days.
“Have sought time from the Hon’ble @LtGovDelhi for an emergency meeting, to apprise him of the inadequate water being released by Haryana from the Munak Canal,” Atishi posted on X.

Have sought time from the Hon’ble @LtGovDelhi for an emergency meeting, to apprise him of the inadequate water being released by Haryana from the Munak Canal.

Delhi is supposed to receive 1050 cusecs of water from the Munak Canal via the CLC and DSB sub-canals. However, this has… pic.twitter.com/xZUHbYlrnJ

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) June 9, 2024

“Delhi is supposed to receive 1050 cusecs of water from the Munak Canal via the CLC and DSB sub-canals. However, this has reduced to 840 cases. 7 Water Treatment Plants are dependent on this water. If the amount of water does not increase today, then the water situation across Delhi will worsen in 1-2 days. Hon’ble @LtGovDelhi is the representative of the Central Govt. Will be requesting him to intervene and resolve the situation,” she added.

Meanwhile, residents of Delhi continue to face severe water crises as long lines of people around water tankers are seen in many areas of the national capital.
With piped water being disrupted, in several areas of the city water is being supplied to the people through tankers. Visuals from Mayur Vihar and Okhla Phase 2 show residents huddling around water tankers with buckets and cans in their hands to carry water.
Delhi government blamed the water crisis on the Haryana government “blocking” Delhi’s share of water.

“On one hand, the Supreme Court is trying to solve the water crisis in Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh is ready to give more water to Delhi. On the other hand, Haryana is blocking Delhi’s share of water,” Atishi, Delhi Minister, said while speaking to reporters in Delhi on Saturday.

“Under the agreement between Haryana, Delhi, and the entire Upper Yamuna region regarding water, 1050 cusecs of water come to Delhi through the Munak Canal. Two sub-canals of the Munak Canal supply water here. It is measured by the flow meter installed here. If we look at the data from the last five years, out of the 1,050 cusecs of water released by Haryana, 1000 to 980 cusecs of water reach Delhi. But for the last five days, this amount of water has been continuously decreasing.

At least 1,000 cusecs of water should reach Delhi, but since June 1, it has decreased a lot. On June 7, only 840 cusecs of water reached Delhi,” she added.

For many residents in the city, their daily lives are being disrupted because of the water crisis.

Ambati, a resident of Delhi’s Geeta Colony, told ANI that she has to face a lot of trouble fetching water from the tankers.

“We have to face a lot of trouble. We get only one tanker, from which we have to fetch water. We have no other option, though,” she said.

Another resident of Geeta Colony, Ghanshyam Jha, said, “We have to face the water crisis daily. We have to bear a lot of trouble while getting water from tankers. Sometimes, we skip work due to this. One tanker doesn’t seem to be enough for the entire population of this colony, but anyway, we only get one.”

The record-high temperatures and heatwave in Delhi, which has resulted in maximum temperatures rising to around 50 degrees Celsius in some places, have caused an extraordinary and excessive surge in water demand in the city.

Delhi Water Crisis: AAP Minister Warns Of Chaos, Blames Haryana For Supply Blockage

June 8, 2024, 4:40 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi warned of potential chaos in Delhi, alleging that the neighbouring state Haryana was withholding the capital’s rightful share of water

Atishi noted that while the Supreme Court is actively working to address Delhi’s water crisis, Haryana’s actions are exacerbating the problem.

Atishi clarified that according to an agreement involving Haryana, Delhi, and the Upper Yamuna region, Delhi is entitled to receive a daily allocation of 1,050 cusecs of water through the Munak Canal.

“Two sub-canals of the Munak Canal supply this water, and it’s measured by a flow meter. Historically, about 980 to 1,000 cusecs reach Delhi. However, since June 1, this flow has significantly decreased. On June 7, only 840 cusecs were delivered,” she said.

The minister said this reduction is already affecting Delhi’s water treatment plants, including those at Bawana, Nangloi, Haiderpur, Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Okhla. “Water goes to 7 plants of Delhi through this canal. If water does not reach here, then there will be chaos in the entire Delhi,” Atishi warned.

“We are at the entry point of water in Delhi, and the flow meter shows a significant drop in water yesterday. The Haryana government must explain where the water is going if they are releasing the full amount. It is impossible for 100-150 cusecs to simply disappear. This indicates that Haryana is intentionally releasing less water, causing distress to Delhi’s residents and defying the Supreme Court’s directive,” she added.

Water Crisis Grips Capital, Car Wash Centers Face Losses

June 8, 2024, 1:04 pm

Since its establishment in 2013, Shine Cars, located in Kalkaji, has built a dedicated customer base hailing from various parts of the city, particularly South Delhi, who rely on its services for vehicle cleaning. Managed by 42-year-old Lucky Maurya, the store typically serves 7-8 customers daily.

However, over the past week, business has suffered due to Delhi’s water scarcity.

Maurya explained that they have had to reduce certain services, such as the pressure wash, which is popular among customers for its effectiveness in cleaning the vehicle’s underbody, in order to conserve water. This particular service is priced between Rs 650 and Rs 950.

When The Indian Express visited the store around 1 pm on June 3, a black Thar was leaving the store after a bucket wash, polishing and liquid wax cleaning. Next to it, a white Aveo’s interiors were being dry cleaned by a worker.

“Business has been hampered; yesterday, a customer grew angry because he needed a pressure wash. We gave him a discount to settle the situation,” said Maurya. He also offers customers liquid wax cleaning but this puts him at a marginal revenue loss of Rs 20 to Rs 25.

Amid the soaring temperatures and water shortage in the Capital, it is not just households that are bearing the brunt. Several in the car washing business are staring at a loss — of customers and income — owing to the crisis.

Maurya noted that the heat has impacted his employees as well, causing a slowdown in work and leading to customer dissatisfaction.

Over at Car Wash Kalkaji, located 1.5 km away, Neeraj Kumar sat inside his office, surrounded by more than a dozen 20-liter water canisters, which he purchases based on the daily needs. The 50-year-old remarked, “This year, the water scarcity is more pronounced compared to previous years. Smart utilization is crucial. I employ a combination of pressure water and bucket water as required.”

In South Delhi, Prakul, the proprietor of a small automobile service center, expressed frustration at having to close his shop as early as 4 pm due to insufficient water for providing services. He stated, “I can’t afford to install a steam wash due to its cost, and I also lack the space to recycle water…”

The situation has been particularly challenging for small car washing centers.

Vinod Kumar, who set up a temporary washing center in Shastri Market three months ago, faced substantial losses. In April, he had to lay off two employees before eventually closing down the business.

Currently, he earns a livelihood by operating a clothing shop on SN Road. He reminisced, “I used to charge only Rs 50 for a bike wash and Rs 100 for a car wash, but other establishments charge upwards of Rs 450. I couldn’t sustain the business when water demand increased during the summer.”

Maurya of Shine Cars added that the business is challenging as there are many players in the pool.

Others have shortened working hours to be able to sustain the business.

In Chanakyapuri, an automobile shop is now open from 9 am to 3 pm, from its earlier timing of 8 am to 10 pm. The manager, who did not wish to be named, said, “Water tankers (private ones) only come once in 4-5 days. We try to promote our German self-washing facility which uses 3-4 litres of water per vehicle as opposed to 15-18 litres of water used in manual cleaning.”

Supreme Court Directs Himachal Pradesh To Release Surplus Water To Delhi

June 6, 2024, 12:56 pm

On Thursday, the Supreme Court instructed Himachal Pradesh to release surplus water to Delhi on June 7, with prior notice to Haryana. The court also directed Haryana to ensure that the water reaches Delhi without any obstruction. Furthermore, the Supreme Court emphasized that there should be no wastage of water by the Delhi government and requested a status report by June 10.

A vacation bench consisting of Justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan noted that the Himachal Pradesh government has no objections and is prepared to release the surplus water it has available.

The Supreme Court was addressing a plea from the Delhi government, which sought a directive for Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to alleviate Delhi’s ongoing water crisis. During the hearing, the Supreme Court stated, “Since Himachal has no objection, we direct that it shall transfer 137 cusecs from upstream so water reaches Hathnikund barrage and reaches Delhi through Wazirabad. As and when the surplus water is released by the State of Himachal Pradesh with prior intimation, the State of Haryana shall facilitate the flow of water from Hathnikund to Wazirabad so it reaches Delhi without obstruction so the residents get drinking water.”

The plea included the Centre, BJP-governed Haryana, and Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh as parties to the petition, highlighting that access to water is essential for survival and is a fundamental human right.

The Supreme Court allowed Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of surplus water and instructed Haryana to ensure the water flows uninterrupted from Hathnikund to Wazirabad, reaching Delhi. Additionally, the court asked the Upper Yamuna River Board to measure the water released by Himachal Pradesh at Hathnikund.

Delhi Water Scarcity: Supreme Court Directs Himachal To Release Surplus Water

June 6, 2024, 12:41 pm

The Supreme Court has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release 137 cusecs of surplus water on Friday, to help Delhi tide over the water shortage.

The highest court stated that the Himachal Pradesh administration has consented to releasing extra water. It instructed the Haryana government to enable the water’s release via the Wazirabad barrage.

The Upper Yamuna River Board received instructions to monitor the water discharged by Himachal Pradesh at Hathnikund. Additionally, the Delhi administration has been tasked with preventing water wastage and providing a progress report by June 10.

Previously, on Monday, the interim bench scheduled the Delhi government’s petition requesting extra water from Haryana for a hearing on June 6. It also urged involved parties, including the central government, to convene a meeting regarding the matter.

The highest court additionally requested the meeting minutes and recommendations regarding actions taken.

Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi lodged a plea, naming the Centre, Haryana governed by the BJP, and Himachal Pradesh ruled by the Congress as respondents. The plea emphasized the critical need for water access for survival, citing it as a fundamental human right.

The plea specifically asks for an order to the Haryana government for the immediate and uninterrupted release of water at the Wazirabad barrage, encompassing the entire surplus water allocated by Himachal Pradesh for the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

The court asked the Himachal government to release the water after prior intimation to Haryana.

The apex court also warned the Delhi government against the wastage of water.

Delhi Water Crisis: SC Urges Centre to Convene Upper Yamuna River Board Meeting

June 3, 2024, 1:52 pm

The Supreme Court on Monday urged the Centre to convene an urgent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) on June 5 to address Delhi’s severe water crisis amid the summer heat and rising demand. The court also directed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to take proactive measures to prevent water wastage and detect leakages in Delhi.

“There shall be an emergent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5, 2024, to address the issues agitated in this petition and all other connected issues in right earnest so that problems of scarcity of water for the citizens of Delhi should be properly addressed. Post this matter on Thursday (June 6) along with the minutes of the meeting and the suggested steps,” ordered a vacation bench of justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan.

The court was hearing a petition by the Delhi government for a directive to Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh through the Wazirabad Barrage. Himachal Pradesh agreed to share its surplus water with Delhi, but since it does not share a physical boundary with Delhi, the water must be released through the Wazirabad Barrage in Haryana.

Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the AAP government, stated that the plea aims to mitigate the water crisis through a one-time measure of using additional water from Himachal Pradesh. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and Haryana, pointed out that the issue is pending before the UYRB, which has asked Himachal Pradesh for details of the additional water.

The court emphasized the need for a high-level meeting to consider the plea and other necessary measures to address the water crisis. “Why can’t there be a joint meeting of all the stakeholders? Let there be a high-level meeting today or tomorrow. As an emergency measure, convene a meeting as soon as possible,” the bench told the SG, who accepted the suggestion but stressed that the meeting should occur before the UYRB, the statutory body for such issues.

The UYRB, established in 1995, regulates the allocation and management of the Upper Yamuna Basin’s water resources. The board was constituted based on a memorandum of understanding signed by Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi in 1994.

SG Mehta highlighted substantial water losses in Delhi, with only 48.65 litres out of every 100 litres reaching the people due to leakage, the tanker mafia, and industrial theft. The court agreed that addressing internal inefficiencies is as crucial as securing additional water supplies from neighboring states.

The Delhi government’s petition, filed on May 31, highlighted the acute heatwave and red alert conditions in Delhi, with temperatures soaring to a record-breaking 52.3 degrees Celsius. The petition emphasized the unprecedented surge in water demand and the critically reduced water levels at the Wazirabad Barrage, threatening the health and well-being of Delhi’s 25 million residents.

Despite administrative measures to optimize and ration water supply, the shortage remains acute, necessitating additional water from Himachal Pradesh through the Wazirabad Barrage in Haryana. The petition clarified that this request is a stop-gap measure to address the crisis until the monsoon arrives.

Citing a 1996 Supreme Court order directing Haryana to ensure water supply through the Yamuna River during a similar crisis, the Delhi government argued that the present situation is much more severe and urgent, calling for the Court’s intervention to prevent a severe health crisis. The petition underscored that access to water is a fundamental human right essential for sustaining life and maintaining dignity and quality of life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

SC Orders Emergency Upper Yamuna River Board Meeting On June 5 To Address Delhi Water Crisis

June 3, 2024, 1:40 pm

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered an urgent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board to take place on June 5 to address Delhi’s water scarcity problem. The hearing will continue on June 6.

The Supreme Court has requested a status report on the resolution of Delhi’s water scarcity by June 6.

The Solicitor General argued that Delhi needs to reduce wastage, claiming that 50% of the water supplied is wasted.

Himachal Pradesh has stated it is ready to release excess water to Delhi.

On June 2, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini rejected the Delhi government’s accusation that his state was not providing the national capital’s share of water, asserting that his administration is supplying water to Delhi beyond the agreed-upon amount.

The BJP leader urged the AAP government to focus on proper management and distribution of the resources.

“(Arvind) Kejriwal is misleading people. Earlier too, he raised this issue. They want to hide their own shortcomings,” Saini said, when asked about the AAP government’s allegations.

“We are giving water to Delhi over and above the agreed-upon quantity,” Saini told reporters in Karnal.

Delhi is currently experiencing a severe water shortage, with the AAP government recently accusing Haryana of not releasing the national capital’s share of water.

The BJP has blamed the AAP government for the crisis, asserting that Haryana is supplying 1,049 cusecs of water from the Yamuna, which exceeds the agreed-upon amount.

In a letter to Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat a few days ago, Delhi Water Minister Atishi noted a significant drop in the water level at the Wazirabad barrage, attributing it to Haryana not releasing the required quantity into the Yamuna.

On Friday, May 31, the Delhi government also approached the Supreme Court, seeking an order for Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to alleviate the national capital’s acute water shortage amid the scorching heat.

Supreme Court Directs Emergency Meeting To Address Delhi Water Crisis

June 3, 2024, 1:32 pm

The Supreme Court has directed the Upper Yamuna River Board to hold an emergency meeting on June 5 with all stakeholder states to address the water crisis affecting Delhi residents. The Court has scheduled the Delhi government’s plea for additional water from Haryana for a hearing on June 6. The Court also requested the minutes of the meeting and suggestions on the steps taken to resolve the issue.

Delhi Government Urges Supreme Court For Additional Water Supply

May 31, 2024, 11:18 am

Amid a severe water shortage in Delhi, the city government has appealed to the Supreme Court for additional water supply from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh for a month. Several areas in Delhi, such as Chanakyapuri’s Sanjay Camp and Geeta Colony, are experiencing acute shortages. Residents in these areas endure long queues in the scorching heat, hoping to fill at least one bucket, as water tankers fail to adequately serve the large populations.

This water crisis coincides with soaring temperatures in the national capital, with the maximum temperature nearing the 50 degrees Celsius mark and the minimum temperature around 30 degrees Celsius, which is 2.8 degrees above normal.

The weather office has predicted that heatwave conditions in Delhi will persist for the next few days and has advised people to “minimise exposure to heat and stay hydrated.”

Delhi water crisis: Amid Water Shortage, People Fill Water From Delhi Jal Board

May 30, 2024, 7:09 pm

The Delhi government has taken urgent steps to address the severe water crisis in the national capital amid an unprecedented heatwave. Measures include directing the Delhi Jal Board to penalize water wastage with a ₹2,000 fine and prohibiting the use of potable water at construction sites.

Delhi Minister Atishi announced the ban on using Delhi Jal Board’s drinking water for car washing and repair centers due to the critical water shortage. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will commence inspections to ensure compliance with these regulations. Atishi emphasized the need for collective action during this heatwave emergency.

Restrictions Amid Delhi’s Water Crisis:

1. Establishment of a Central Water Tanker War Room by the Delhi government, with 200 enforcement teams to curb water wastage.

2. Prohibition on using Delhi Jal Board’s drinking water for car washing, construction sites, or commercial purposes.

3. Ban on using pipes to wash cars in Delhi.

4. Monitoring of overflowing water tanks by enforcement teams.

5. Disconnection of illegal water connections at construction sites and commercial establishments.

6. Urgent appeal to Delhi residents to use water responsibly, warning of potential water supply rationalization due to the crisis.

Additionally, areas previously receiving water twice daily will now receive water once in 24 hours.

“From tomorrow, teams of DPCC will conduct inspections of car washing and repairing centres. I want to appeal to people of Delhi… right now, Delhi is facing an emergency situation because of heatwave,” the Delhi minister said.

Water Shortage: Delhi Government To Hold Emergency Meeting

May 30, 2024, 10:45 am

As Delhi faces a water shortage in several areas, the Delhi Government has scheduled an emergency meeting on Thursday at the Delhi Secretariat to tackle the issue. The meeting will be led by Water Minister Atishi and Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, with the Chief Secretary and other senior officials in attendance.

This decision follows reports of severe water crises from various parts of the city, where residents have been waiting for hours for water tankers. Residents of Geeta Colony in East Delhi have expressed concerns about the inadequate water supply from the government, stating they only receive half of what is needed.

Vinay, a resident of Geeta Colony, shared with ANI, “We are facing a severe water crisis. Our locality has a population of around 3,000-4,000 people, but the government sends only half the required number of tankers.” He added, “Although a tanker comes daily, but in this scorching heat, the demand for water has significantly increased. Sometimes, they reduce the amount of water in the tanker, due to which we suffer a lot. While in the absence of tankers, the wealthier residents can buy water, but the poorer ones cannot, due to which they have to drink dirty water, which leads to illness.”

Vinay also mentioned, “We have complained to the MLA of the area multiple times, but we have never received a valid response. No one is listening to us.” An elderly resident noted, “I usually come after 10-15 days, sometimes even a month, but as always, I don’t get water.” Another resident, Shabru Khatun, stated, “There are a lot of problems regarding water in this area. We get only one tanker for the entire area. The tanker water is used for drinking and cooking purposes. Sometimes, we don’t even get the tanker, and we are forced to buy bottled water.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Minister Atishi accused the Haryana government of not releasing Delhi’s water share despite “so many talks.” She warned that if the water supply does not improve in the next 1-2 days, they will consider moving to the Supreme Court.

Atishi also urged people to use water judiciously, warning that the government might have to rationalize the water supply in the national capital. She emphasized that fines for excessive water use could be imposed if people do not heed the appeal.

Discussing measures to address the water shortage, Atishi stated, “In the last one week, there has been a water crisis in many areas of Delhi… We have taken various steps but because the water level is decreasing constantly, we have to take more steps. The areas which get a water supply for two times will be reduced to once… We are in an adverse condition where Delhi’s water supply is being halted by Haryana.”