The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the BJP-led Haryana Government of orchestrating an artificial water crisis in Delhi, days before the city’s crucial Lok Sabha elections. Delhi’s Water Minister and a senior AAP leader Atishi alleged that the Haryana government has significantly reduced the water supply to Delhi, leading to a drop in the Yamuna River’s water level.
“Before voting on 25th May, BJP is stopping water supply to Delhi through its Haryana government, so that you are troubled,” Atishi said during a press briefing. She explained that since May 11, the water level in the Yamuna has been steadily declining, reaching an unprecedented low of 670.9 feet, down from the usual 674 feet.
She emphasised that this reduction is a deliberate attempt by the BJP to create discontent among Delhi residents. “Seeing that it is losing all seven seats in Delhi, BJP has hatched this conspiracy to defame AAP and Kejriwal,” she claimed. Atishi noted that water shortages have been reported in areas that previously had no issues, which she attributes to the reduced water flow from Haryana.
In response to the alleged conspiracy, Atishi assured Delhiites that the Delhi government is taking measures to mitigate the impact. “We are ready to deal with BJP’s conspiracy; we have given instructions to increase the number of tankers and running time of borewells,” she said. Atishi also mentioned that a formal complaint will be lodged with the Haryana government, and legal action will be considered if necessary.
The minister provided a detailed timeline of the declining water levels in the Yamuna, highlighting the progressive decrease from 671.6 feet on May 11 to 670.9 feet on May 21. “I believe that perhaps this is the first time in the history of Delhi that the water level of Yamuna has dropped below 671 feet,” Atishi remarked, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Atishi urged Delhi residents to see through what she described as BJP’s tactics to divert attention and create unrest. “I want to caution the people of Delhi that in the coming few days till 25th May, such conspiracies will be continued by the BJP to distract the voters of Delhi,” she said. She expressed confidence that Delhiites would not be swayed by these actions and would support the AAP in the upcoming elections.
“We will immediately write a letter to the Haryana government on the decreasing water level in the Yamuna. If necessary, we will file an urgent application in the court,” Atishi stated. She stressed the importance of addressing the issue promptly to prevent further hardship for Delhi residents.
In the interim, the Delhi Jal Board has been instructed to ramp up efforts to ensure water availability across the city. “We have ordered the CEO of Delhi Jal Board to increase water tankers within 24 hours. Wherever water is supplied from borewells, the borewells which used to run for 16 hours, their average time is being increased to 22 hours,” Atishi concluded.
