Amid Heatwave, Delhi Govt Moves SC Seeking More Water From UP, Haryana

Amid seating heatwave conditions, the Delhi government has moved the Supreme Court over the water crisis, seeking additional water from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

"Delhi's need for water has increased in the scorching heat. It is everyone's responsibility to fulfil the needs of the country's capital," Times Now quoted the AAP government's petition.

Many areas in Delhi, such as Sanjay Camp in Chanakyapuri and the Geeta Colony areas, are experiencing severe water shortages. It comes at a time when the national capital is reeling under soaring temperatures, nearing 50 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature remains nearly 30 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal by 2.8 degrees.

In a post on X, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the demand for water has increased a lot even as the water that Delhi used to get from the neighbouring states has also been reduced.

He wrote, "That means the demand has increased a lot and the supply has reduced. We all have to solve this together. I see that BJP colleagues are protesting against us. This will not solve the problem. I request everyone with folded hands that instead of doing politics at this time, let us come together and provide relief to the people of Delhi. If BJP talks to its governments in Haryana and UP and gets some water for Delhi for a month, then the people of Delhi will greatly appreciate this step of BJP. Such scorching heat is not in anyone's control. But if we all work together, can we provide relief to the people from this?"

Amidst the escalating water scarcity, the Delhi government has implemented strict measures, including a Rs 2,000 fine for anyone caught wasting water. They will also disconnect illegal water connections at construction sites or commercial establishments.

The relentless heatwave has exacerbated the water crisis in Delhi, compelling residents to rush with their empty buckets to water tankers. In Vivekananda Colony, Chanakyapuri, people, including children, men, and women, were seen climbing atop water tankers, PTI reported.

Officials from power distribution companies stated that they had estimated the peak power demand to reach 8,200 MW this summer.

Talking about the power cuts in neighbouring states, Kejriwal said, "This time, the entire country is experiencing unprecedented heatwave due to which there is a crisis of water and electricity across the country. Last year, the peak demand for electricity in Delhi was 7,438 MW. In comparison, the peak demand this year has reached 8,302 MW."

"But despite this, the power situation in Delhi is under control, there are no power cuts like in other states," he stated.