The city of Delhi is grappling with a growing water crisis; it is taking long hours standing in line for water tankers on one hand and very little through the taps on the other. Due to the intensity of the issue, the Delhi government has been forced to move to court requesting the Supreme Court to direct Haryana to release excess water from Himachal Pradesh.
A City Running Dry
Reports show that there is an extreme shortage of water in Delhi due to the high temperatures and increased use by people. Some places have been said to get water only for a few hours in a day such that the locals have to depend on water tankers or buy it from costly vendors themselves.
Delhi Government’s Plea
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal leading the Delhi government approached the Supreme Court on May 30, 2024 to release its share of surplus water from the Yamuna River that flows through Himachal Pradesh, according to the plea.Delhi claims Haryana is withholding water despite already established agreement, leading to the current shortage.
Supreme Court Orders Urgent Meeting
In a significant development, the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) was asked by the Supreme Court to immediately convene an meeting meant to look into how serious the situation is. The UYRB, which administers water rights between Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, was handed with the urgent responsibility of resolving the water shortage in Delhi.
Stakeholders at the Table
The June 5th meeting will bring together representatives from all four states governed by the UYRB. A productive dialogue aimed at resolving the water dispute and ensuring a fair and immediate release of water to Delhi is anticipated. The outcome of this meeting will likely determine the course of action for addressing the capital’s water woes.
Next Steps and Hope for Relief
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 6th, 2024. During this hearing, the court will likely consider the minutes of the UYRB meeting and potential solutions proposed by the involved states. Delhi residents await the outcome with hope, desperately seeking an end to the water crisis that disrupts their daily lives.
A Looming Crisis with National Implications
The water scarcity in Delhi highlights a broader national challenge. Unequal water distribution, poor water management practices, and the growing strain of climate change all contribute to water crises across India. The Supreme Court’s intervention and the upcoming UYRB meeting set a crucial precedent for addressing water disputes and ensuring equitable distribution of this vital resource.
