"Seem to be cruel joke...": Atishi writes to Haryana CM regarding Yamuna's water flow from Haryana to Delhi
May 22, 2024
New Delhi [India], May 22 : Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Wednesday wrote a letter to the Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, regarding Yamuna's water flow from Haryana to Delhi and accused the Haryana government of not releasing Delhi's water share.
"It has come to my notice that the water flow from Haryana to Delhi seems to be deliberately reduced. Our records show that there is a drastic drop in the water levels at the Wazirabad Barrage, indicating lower water levels of the Yamuna River which is the main lifeline of Delhi. The normal pond level should be maintained at a minimum of 674.50 feet. Our enquiries have revealed that on 15.05.2024, the water levels were already 671.9 feet, which has been consistently reducing and has reached a critically dangerous level of 670.9 feet," the letter reads.
She further said that in the peak of the summer season, the Haryana government is not releasing water which "seems to be a cruel joke" against the residents of Delhi.
"It is clear that Haryana is not releasing Delhi's water share of Yamuna water. This reduction in water levels of the Yamuna is having a serious impact on water production for the people of Delhi. Such actions by the Haryana Government, especially in the peak of the summer season, seem to be a cruel joke against the residents of Delhi, severely affecting their daily lives and well-being," Atishi said.
"It almost seems to be a deliberate conspiracy amid the election season, aimed at creating an artificial emergency, thereby disrupting the normalcy of life in Delhi and creating a situation of panic," she added.
Atishi said that the issue of reduction in Yamuna water levels in Delhi has been brought to the attention of the Irrigation Department of the Haryana government multiple times by the officers of the Delhi Jal Board.
"Despite repeated requests to release sufficient water to maintain the minimum pond level of 674.50 feet at Wazirabad Barrage, there has been no improvement in the situation," Atishi said.
She further urged the Haryana government to immediately release Delhi's rightful share of water into the Yamuna River to bring the waters to a normal level.
"In light of the urgent need to provide adequate water supply to the residents of Delhi, I earnestly request your immediate intervention in this matter. The State of Haryana must immediately release Delhi's rightful share of water into the Yamuna River to bring the waters to the normal level of 674.5 feet," she said.
