Kejriwal Addresses Election Commission on Toxic Water Claims from Haryana Government

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, addressed the Election Commission's notice regarding his claim about Haryana's water quality. He stated that the raw water from the BJP-governed state has been dangerously contaminated. Kejriwal emphasised that if such water is consumed, it could pose severe health risks. He argued that his comments were meant to highlight a public health crisis and did not breach any laws or codes.

The Election Commission had issued a notice to Kejriwal following a complaint by the BJP. The notice required him to respond by Wednesday evening. In his 14-page reply, Kejriwal insisted that his statements were a public duty to alert about the toxic water from Haryana. He urged the commission to dismiss the issue, asserting that he had not violated any regulations.

Water Contamination Concerns

Kejriwal pointed out that the ammonia levels in the water from Haryana are alarmingly high. This has made it difficult for Delhi's water treatment facilities to reduce it to safe levels for consumption. The AAP released a statement supporting Kejriwal's claims, citing a Delhi Jal Board CEO letter. It noted that ammonia levels in Yamuna water are 700% above permissible limits.

The AAP chief also accused Haryana of failing to manage pollution in the Yamuna River. He alleged that industrial waste is being indiscriminately dumped into the river, causing a significant public health crisis in Delhi. Kejriwal stressed that as an upper-riparian state, Haryana is responsible for the toxic water reaching Delhi.

Impact on Water Supply

Due to the high toxicity levels in Haryana's water supply, Delhi's treatment plants are underperforming. This has led to a shortage of treated water in the city, according to Kejriwal. He argued that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and raising this issue should not be considered an offence.

Kejriwal asserted that his statements were not intended to incite enmity or disrupt national unity. Instead, they aimed to bring attention to a pressing civic issue needing urgent action. He requested the Election Commission to direct Haryana to ensure safe drinking water for Delhi residents.

The AAP leader concluded by reiterating the importance of addressing this matter promptly. He called for institutional intervention to resolve the contamination issue and safeguard public health in Delhi.