The Problem:
Delhi faces an acute water shortage amidst a scorching heatwave.
Residents are facing water cuts, forcing them to go without water for days.
Reasons for Shortage:
Delhi relies heavily on neighboring states (Haryana, Himachal Pradesh) for water.
Delhi government blames Haryana for blocking water flow through the Munak Canal.
L-G office claims leakage in canals, dirty pipelines, and private water tankers worsen the issue.
Actions Taken:
Delhi government approached the Supreme Court seeking more water from Haryana.
Supreme Court directed the Central government to hold an emergency meeting with involved states.
Himachal Pradesh initially agreed to share water but later retracted the statement.
Supreme Court refrained from interfering and directed the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) to address the issue.
Supreme Court's Stance:
The Supreme Court decided not to interfere with the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) proceedings.
The Bench, led by Justice P.K. Mishra, emphasized that the issue should be resolved by the UYRB as per the MoU of May 12, 1994.
The UYRB was directed to hold a meeting with stakeholders to address the matter.
Delhi MLAs have written to Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil for assistance on humanitarian grounds.
What is Next for Delhi?
Focus Beyond Politics:
Rajendra Singh, a water conservationist known as the 'Waterman of India,' suggests that both the Centre and the State government need to prioritize drinking water.
Three Solutions:
Prioritize Drinking Water: Redirect water used for irrigation and other purposes to drinking water.
Retreat, Recycle, Reuse: Thoroughly re-examine water resources and implement recycling and reusing principles.
Improve Water Harvesting: Develop water harvesting methods, especially in the Asola Bhatti mines and the Aravalli belt, to recharge groundwater and prevent wastage.
Modeling Sustainable Water Management:
Develop successful models for Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) to sustain Delhi's water needs.
Transform the Aravalli belt into a water sanctuary and the Yamuna floodplain banks into a water bank.
COMMENTS