In meeting with Delhi govt officials, Haryana expresses inability to release additional water to Delhi
Jun 18, 2024
New Delhi [India], June 18 : Haryana has conveyed its incapacity to provide additional water supplies to Delhi on humanitarian grounds amidst the current water crisis.
In an effort to address the severe water shortage in the national capital, a high-level delegation of officials from the Delhi Government was convened with the Principal Secretary (Water Resources) of the Haryana Government. The Delhi Government solicited additional release of water to Delhi from the Haryana government. This meeting took place in Chandigarh on Tuesday.
Delhi's Water Minister Atishi, stressed the urgency of coordination to mitigate the current water emergency exacerbated by severe heat waves. The Delhi Water Minister called for immediate support to alleviate the unprecedented suffering of Delhi's citizens, postponing discussions on Yamuna water distribution until the crisis subsides.
Notably, on 15th June Delhi's Water Minister Atishi had requested Haryana on humanitarian grounds to give some additional water to Delhi. The Upper Yamuna River Board had advised Delhi and Haryana to hold a bilateral meeting and consider whether Haryana could give some extra water to Delhi.
Earlier on June 15 appealing to the Haryana Government Atishi said " "We appeal to the Haryana government on humanitarian grounds that, considering the current situation in Delhi, the Haryana government should give some extra water to Delhi".
The delegation comprised three senior-level officials from the Delhi Government, namely Additional Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, DJB CEO A. Anbarasu, and CE (Nodal) Water S.L. Meena, who returned to Delhi following a high-level deliberation with the Principal Secretary (Water Resources) of the Haryana Government.
The meeting focused on formulating a resolution to Delhi's persistent water crisis. During this critical engagement, the Delhi government's delegation solicited the release of additional water supplies on humanitarian grounds to alleviate the severe shortage affecting the national capital in this unprecedented heat wave situation. However, the Haryana Government has communicated its inability to provide any additional water resources to Delhi at this juncture.
Expressing disappointment, Delhi's Water Minister articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, "While discussions regarding the equitable distribution of Yamuna water can be deferred until after the severe heat waves, the immediate priority is addressing the current emergency. The unprecedented heat waves have created a dire situation, and we earnestly appeal to Haryana to release water on humanitarian grounds. The people of Delhi are enduring immense suffering due to these extreme conditions, the likes of which we have never experienced before. The well-being of our citizens is at stake, and it is imperative that we receive this crucial support without delay."
