Delhi, which depends to a large extent on Haryana for potable water, might need to brace itself for a mega water crisis in the coming months — when the demand for water peaks — if the dispute over water sharing of Yamuna is not resolved soon.
During a hearing held yesterday before the Supreme Court, Haryana government said it would continue to supply 150 cusecs of extra water to Delhi till May 15, but after that, it would have to reconsider its decision owing to shortage within its own state.
The court was hearing a petition filed last week by Delhi Jal Board (DJB), seeking intervention in the conflict of water-sharing between the two neighbouring states.
Before that, last month, the DJB had filed a petition, complaining that Delhi was receiving only 350 cusecs of water against 450 cusecs it required. Delhi News
The apex court had at the time directed senior officials of both the state governments to resolve the issue on their own.
In fact, according to top sources, a meeting was held between senior officials from both the governments, and Haryana had agreed to release 150 cusecs of extra water to Delhi.
However, after a few days, Haryana government stopped releasing the extra water. The DJB, therefore, filed a fresh petition with the Supreme Court.
Submitting its reply on the on-going conflict of water sharing, Haryana government stated that the state itself was staring at a huge water shortage, as it has been receiving only half of the supply from the Hathini Kund barrage.
Hathini Kund is a concrete barrage located on the Yamuna in Yamuna Nagar district of Haryana. The barrage diverts water into the western (Okhla barrage in Delhi) and eastern Yamuna canals in Haryana.
When City Spidey contacted the DJB, a senior official, who did not want to be identified, blamed political parties (AAP in Delhi and BJP in Haryana) for the present crisis. “There is no shortage of water in Haryana. This issue has taken political tones now. But highest-level officials from both the sides have discussed the issue at length and want to resolve it as quickly as possible,” he said.
He further added, “Twenty-five per cent of Delhi is already in Haryana and people of Haryana live in Delhi. So, the problem is a mutual one and will need to be solved through speedy and honest communication at the top levels.”
