The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns about the existence of tanker mafias and the wastage of water in Delhi. On Tuesday, the court demanded an affidavit from the AAP government, detailing the measures taken to prevent water loss in the capital.
A vacation bench, comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Prasanna B Varale, expressed strong objections to the activities of tanker mafias and questioned the actions taken by the Delhi government to address these issues. The court warned that if the Delhi government fails to take appropriate action, the Delhi police would be tasked with addressing the problem.
The court has directed the Delhi government to file an affidavit on the steps taken to prevent water wastage. The affidavit is expected to be submitted before the next hearing, which has been scheduled for June 13.
During the hearing, the court also addressed conflicting statements from Himachal Pradesh officials, requiring their presence in the court for further clarification.
The Supreme Court noted that the entire petition hinges on whether Himachal Pradesh has access to water. Despite Himachal Pradesh claiming that water has been released, the court emphasised the importance of clarity on this issue.
The court highlighted that an interim order was based on Himachal Pradesh's statement regarding water access, suggesting that the officials could face contempt charges if discrepancies are found.
As the hearing commenced, the court expressed frustration over false statements and demanded accountability. The justices questioned the Delhi government about the whereabouts of the water supposedly coming from Himachal Pradesh, pointing out issues such as spillage and tanker mafias.
The court emphasised the need for effective measures to control water loss and mitigate the recurring problem of water scarcity during the summer months.
Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the Delhi government, assured the court that an affidavit would be filed detailing the measures taken, including significant disconnections.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi further elaborated on the decisions made by the Yamuna Board and the water supply routes from Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
The Supreme Court was addressing the Delhi government's plea for the release of surplus water from Himachal Pradesh to alleviate the severe water shortage in the national capital.
On June 6, the court allowed Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of surplus water and instructed Haryana to facilitate the uninterrupted flow from Hathnikund barrage to Wazirabad.
The court directed Himachal Pradesh to release the surplus water on June 7 with prior intimation to Haryana, and tasked the Upper Yamuna River Board with measuring the released water at Hathnikund in Haryana.
The Delhi government approached the Supreme Court due to an acute water shortage exacerbated by extreme heat conditions in North India, particularly in Delhi. Record-high temperatures and heat waves have caused a surge in water demand, leading to frequent supply cuts and disruptions in daily life.
Despite administrative measures to optimise and ration water supply, the shortage remains severe. The Delhi government has proposed a solution involving the transfer of surplus water from Himachal Pradesh through Haryana's water channels to the Wazirabad barrage. However, cooperation from Haryana has been lacking, making it essential for the court's intervention.
The Delhi government's plea underscores the urgency of addressing the water crisis, highlighting the need for additional water to meet the increased demand during the summer months.
The Supreme Court's involvement is crucial in ensuring that necessary steps are taken to alleviate the water scarcity and improve the situation for the residents of Delhi.
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