- The Supreme Court of India issued a firm warning to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi regarding the escalating water crisis, expressing dissatisfaction with its management.
- Highlighting the prevalence of the tanker mafia and the alarming wastage of water, despite its sourcing from Himachal Pradesh, the bench admonished the Delhi government for its perceived inaction.
- The bench emphasized the distress faced by the public, evident from widespread media coverage showcasing the extent of the crisis.
The Supreme Court of India issued a firm warning to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi regarding the escalating water crisis, expressing dissatisfaction with its management and signaling potential police intervention against the notorious tanker mafia. Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale, presiding over a vacation bench, voiced strong concerns over the government’s handling of the situation and questioned the effectiveness of its measures.
Highlighting the prevalence of the tanker mafia and the alarming wastage of water, despite its sourcing from Himachal Pradesh, the bench admonished the Delhi government for its perceived inaction. The justices raised pertinent questions regarding the accuracy of the government’s statements before the court, underscoring the urgent need for concrete steps to address the water scarcity issue, particularly during the scorching summer months.
The bench emphasized the distress faced by the public, evident from widespread media coverage showcasing the extent of the crisis. Justice Mishra and Justice Varale urged the government to implement robust measures to curb water wastage and alleviate the suffering of residents grappling with the repercussions of the shortage.
Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the Delhi government, provided assurances of ongoing actions, including the disconnection of water supplies to stem excessive wastage. However, the bench demanded a comprehensive report detailing the government’s efforts to combat water loss, indicating that it would scrutinize the matter further in upcoming hearings.
The Supreme Court’s intervention stems from a plea filed by the Delhi government, seeking cooperation from Haryana to release surplus water from Himachal Pradesh to alleviate the capital’s water shortage. In response to the plea, the court had previously ordered the release of surplus water through the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana into the Wazirabad barrage to address Delhi’s drinking water needs.
The court’s proactive stance underscores the gravity of the water crisis in Delhi, exacerbated by a severe heatwave sweeping across northern India. By holding the government accountable and advocating for swift action, the Supreme Court aims to ensure the timely resolution of the crisis and alleviate the plight of residents facing its adverse effects.
(With inputs from agencies)
