Delhi Water Minister Atishi, a key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has recently been discharged from Lok Nayak Hospital after a two-day stay, marking the culmination of her indefinite hunger strike.
Atishi commenced her protest on June 22, demanding the release of Delhi's rightful share of water from Haryana. The decision to admit Atishi to hospital arose as her health deteriorated during the hunger strike aimed at addressing Delhi's water crisis exacerbated by the shortfall in water supply from Haryana.
Her health condition, particularly concerning her blood sugar levels dropping dangerously low, necessitated urgent medical attention. Despite efforts to sustain her strike, mounting health risks led to her hospitalisation, emphasising the intensity of her commitment to the cause.
AAP's Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh, acknowledged the end of Atishi's hunger strike while affirming continued advocacy within Parliament and beyond. Singh highlighted the urgency of the water issue affecting millions in Delhi, underscoring the party's ongoing efforts to mobilise opposition support and raise awareness at the national level.
The AAP has strongly criticised Haryana for allegedly withholding 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of water meant for Delhi, severely impacting approximately 28 lakh residents.
This reduction in supply has compounded the city's water scarcity issues, aggravated by soaring temperatures and frequent heat waves. The reliance on water tankers has become commonplace across many parts of Delhi, illustrating the daily challenges faced by its inhabitants during the sweltering summer months.
Atishi's hunger strike was a dramatic yet poignant gesture aimed at drawing attention to the critical water shortage issue plaguing Delhi. Despite its cessation, the AAP remains resolute in its commitment to address the underlying causes and ensure adequate water supply for the city's residents.
The episode has sparked renewed debate and political discourse surrounding water management and interstate water disputes, prompting calls for sustainable solutions and cooperative governance to mitigate future crises.
In conclusion, Atishi's hospital discharge marks the end of a physically demanding protest that thrust the issue of water scarcity into the spotlight. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by urban centres in managing essential resources and underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts in ensuring water security for all residents of Delhi.
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