The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Himachal Pradesh government to provide 137 cusecs of additional water to Delhi, which is currently facing severe water shortage. A vacation bench comprising Justices PK Mishra and KV Viswanathan, which heard the case on the Delhi water crisis, observed that Himachal Pradesh had no objection to releasing excess water.
The court directed the Haryana government to ensure smooth flow of water to the national capital amid the Delhi water crisis. The court emphasized that the Delhi administration should not waste water and directed Himachal Pradesh to deliver the additional water on June 7 with prior notice to Haryana, PTI reported.
According to the report, during the hearing, the court highlighted the need to avoid political meddling in water-related issues. The court has set the next hearing for June 10.
The Supreme Court was hearing a petition by the Delhi government, seeking an order directing Haryana to share the surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to help alleviate the water crisis in Delhi. The Centre, BJP-ruled Haryana and Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh were among the parties to the petition, which emphasized that access to water is a fundamental human right necessary for life, the report said.
The Delhi administration has also requested that Haryana promptly and regularly release water from the Wazirabad dam, including all the surplus water granted by Himachal Pradesh to the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi minister Atishi took to social media to thank the Supreme Court for its order on the Delhi water crisis.
I thank the Hon’ble Supreme Court for standing by the people of Delhi during this unprecedented water crisis.
This is a moment that demands a coordinated effort above all else, and the Security Council order marks a victory for the people of Delhi and their right to water. https://t.co/wkeoTMfLzr
-Atishi (@AtishiAAP) June 6, 2024
“I thank the Hon’ble Supreme Court for standing by the people of Delhi during this unprecedented water crisis. This is a time that demands a coordinated effort above all else, and the SC order marks a victory for the people of Delhi and its right to water,” Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi wrote following the Supreme Court order.