Delhi water crisis: CM Kejriwal moves SC seeking more supply from UP, Haryana

Delhi Water Crisis: The Delhi government has petitioned the Supreme Court for a directive requiring Haryana to supply additional water to the crisis-stricken national capital, sources said on Friday.

The AAP government in Delhi informed the top court that the city’s water demand has surged significantly due to heatwave conditions, and has requested Haryana to release extra water for a month, they said.

The city government emphasised the collective responsibility to address Delhi’s water needs.

Early on Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the governments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh to focus on providing relief to Delhi’s residents rather than engaging in politics over the issue.

Also Read: Delhi’s heatwave crisis: Surge in hospital visits as temperatures soar

“We all have to solve this together. I see that BJP colleagues are protesting against us. This will not solve the problem. I request everyone with folded hands that instead of doing politics at this time, let us come together and provide relief to the people of Delhi,” he said in a post on X.

Delhi is facing a severe water shortage, with Water Minister Atishi accusing Haryana of not releasing Delhi’s share of water. “If BJP talks to its governments in Haryana and UP and gets some water for Delhi for a month, then the people of Delhi will greatly appreciate this step of BJP. Such scorching heat is not in anyone’s control. But if we all work together, can’t we provide relief to the people from this?” she asked.

Kejriwal’s appeal followed a statement from Water Minister Atishi the previous day, warning of an “emergency situation” in the city.

Kejriwal also noted the increase in power demand across the country and how Delhi is managing. “Last year, the peak demand for electricity in Delhi was 7438 MW. In comparison, this year the peak demand has reached 8302 MW. But despite this, the power situation in Delhi is under control, there are no power cuts like in other states,” he posted.    (With inputs from PTI)