Redn of Water Supply by Haryana violates SC Diredctions: Del Govt

New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) Charging the Haryana Government with unilateral curtailment of water supply to Delhi, the Delhi Government today described the action as contrary to the provisions of the National Water Policy.

'' It was noted that on the night of Friday/Saturday i.e. January 18/19, the Haryana Irrigation Department unilaterally curtailed release of water from Munak from 600 cusec to 500 cusec. This was done despite the fact that the pond level was not able to reach 674.5 feet even with the release of 600 cusec.

The curtailment of supply by Haryana, for whatever reasons, is not only against the provisions of the National Water Policy, which acord first priority to drinking water requirements, but also is a clear violation of the directions of the Supreme Court, '' the Delhi Government said in a statement here.

The Delhi Government said as per the standing orders issued by the Supreme Court in 1996, Haryana is required to release sufficient Yamuna water to ensure that Haiderpur and Wazirafbad Water Treatment Plants function to their optimal capacity. For this purpose, the pond level at Wazirabad barrage is required to be maintained at 674.5 feet at all times.

Stating that the action of the Haryana Government has resulted in unavoidable distress to lacs of people of the national capital, the Delhi Government said,'' the immediate consequences ofthe unwarranted action was reduction in production of water in Wazirabad and Chandrawal Water Treatment Plants by about 30 per cent.

At present, the pond level is around 673 feet and this has forced the Delhi Jal Board to cut down supply to various areas of North, West, Central as vvip areas of New Delhi.'' The state Government said in spite of several communications sent both by the CEO, DJB and the Delhi Chief Secretary to Chief Secretary, Haryana and other officials of the Irrigation Department Haryana, including communications sent by the Member Secretary, Upper Yamuna River Board, there has been no positive response from Haryana to restore the supply.

''Efforts are being made to see that the Haryana authorities realise the need to keep drinking water requirements of the citizens of Delhi above all other local considerations,'' the Delhi Government said.

UNI AR SB KP2051