New Delhi
The Delhi government will petition the Supreme Court on Thursday regarding Haryana’s failure to release the national capital’s allocated water supply, leading to a crisis, announced Water Minister Atishi. Speaking at a press briefing, Atishi emphasized that Delhi is confronting an emergency situation and unveiled a series of immediate measures to address the crisis.
Atishi revealed plans to establish a central water tanker control room within the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), supervised by an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. This control room will coordinate water tanker requests received via the helpline number 1916. Additionally, starting June 5, Assistant District Magistrates (ADM) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM) will oversee 11 water zones in Delhi, ensuring timely deployment of water tankers to areas facing shortages.
Furthermore, specialized teams will operate round-the-clock in the DJB’s electrical department to address borewell-related complaints. To combat water wastage, 200 enforcement teams led by an IAS officer will issue fines. Effective immediately, a ban on using potable water at construction sites and for car washing has been imposed. Inspection teams from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee will enforce these bans, with violators facing closure.
Atishi urged residents to conserve water wisely, emphasizing the gravity of the situation exacerbated by both extreme heatwaves and Haryana’s water withholding.
