Delhi Water Crisis: SC directs HP to release surplus water, Haryana should not obstruct

Delhi Water Crisis: The Supreme Court on Thursday addressed the urgent water shortage in Delhi, directing the Himachal Pradesh government to release 137 cusecs of water to meet the drinking water needs of the national capital amid a severe heatwave affecting the northern Indian plains.

A Vacation Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan ordered Himachal Pradesh to release the water by tomorrow, with prior notice to the Haryana government.

The Court also instructed Haryana to facilitate the water’s flow to Delhi without obstruction.

“Since Himachal has no objection, we direct that it shall transfer 137 cusecs from upstream so water reaches Hathnikund barrage and then flows to Delhi through Wazirabad. Upon release by Himachal Pradesh, the State of Haryana shall ensure the water reaches Delhi without obstruction,” the Court ordered.

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The Court further directed the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) to measure the water for its onward flow.

“Considering the urgency, we direct Himachal Pradesh to release the water tomorrow with prior notice to Haryana, and UYRB shall measure the water for onward supply. Status report be submitted on Monday, list on Monday,” the Court said.

The apex court was hearing a petition from the Delhi government seeking directions for Haryana to facilitate water supply from Himachal Pradesh.

The Delhi government requested additional water as an emergency measure during the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.

Earlier, the Bench had instructed the Central government to convene a meeting of all stakeholders, including the Upper Yamuna River Board, to address Delhi’s water demands.

Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi government, informed the Court that Himachal Pradesh had agreed to provide water but there had been no response from Haryana. Based on a UYRB report, he suggested that water from the Beas River could be sent to Delhi through Haryana’s canals.

The Haryana counsel argued that the proposal was not feasible, but Justice Viswanathan noted that the Court’s orders were based on the UYRB’s recommendation.

The Haryana government did not specify its objections.

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Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee, representing the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, mentioned that Haryana’s contention was the lack of a way to measure and differentiate the surplus water.

Singhvi emphasized that water, like money, is fungible, and Advocate Shadan Farasat added that the release would occur upstream at Hathnikund, ensuring it reached Delhi downstream via Wazirabad.

The Court ultimately directed the release of water from Himachal Pradesh and sought Haryana’s cooperation.     (With inputs from PTI)