New Delhi: As the national capital reels under severe water crisis, Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Thursday blamed Haryana for the same. Atishi has alleged that the shortage in water supply is due to Delhi's share of Yamuna being stopped by Haryana.

Delhi is facing water shortage due to unprecedented summer heat with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Celsius in parts of the city. Atishi inspected the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant on Thursday, where she witnessed that the water levels have decreased significantly. Later, Atishi and minister Saurabh Bharadwaj held an emergency meeting regarding the water crisis, which was attended by the senior officials of the department. 

“We have set up a war room in Delhi Jal Board for water tanker supply. It will be headed by a senior IAS officer. Those who need a water tanker in their area can call on number '1916'. From June 5, in all 11 water zones of Delhi, one ADM level and SDM level officer will be stationed to make quick response teams to resolve any water shortage issues. Special teams of the electricity department of Delhi Jal Board are also being constituted to ensure that no borewell malfunctions. 200 enforcement teams being made to ensure that there is no wastage of water,” said Atishi on Thursday. 

The Aam Aadmi Party government helmed by Arvind Kejriwal has also a fine of Rs 2000 on wastage of water and formed 200 teams to enforce the penalty. The government has also taken measures like running tubewells in double shifts and using water tankers to supply water in affected areas due to the shortage.

Haryana Not Releasing Water, Will Go To SC: AAP 

Atishi alleged that Haryana is not releasing the national capital's share of water, adding that this has led to a crisis situation in Delhi. “We will approach the Supreme Court on Thursday itself over Haryana not releasing the share of Delhi's water,” said the Water minister. 

"Inspected Wazirabad Yamuna Reservoir. From here, the water goes to Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla water treatment plants. The level of Yamuna river should be 674 ft. But it is only at 670.3 ft. Due to this, there is a shortage of water in different parts of Delhi. Today, I will also write a letter to the central government. It is also their responsibility to ensure that Delhi gets its share of water. Haryana has no right to stop the water of Delhi," Atishi said in a post on X in Hindi.

BJP Hits Back 

 Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha's office bearers on Thursday held a protest outside minister Atishi's residence over water crisis in the national capital. The protestors were carrying earthen pots on their shoulders and placards during the demonstration. They raised slogans against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal outside Water Minister Atishi's residence.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said that the water crisis has been manufactured. “There's an outcry for water in Delhi. Is this crisis natural? No. This crisis has been created by the Arvind Kejriwal government for corruption. Delhi minister Atishi is repeatedly saying that Haryana government is not providing water, but she is not telling the truth. Number of water tankers will be increased in Delhi, however, it will only be on papers. Tomorrow, BJP workers will protest against Arvind Kejriwal at Delhi Secretariat to raise the voice of Delhi,” said Sachdeva.