In a recent development, the Supreme Court has directed the Delhi government to approach the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) for water supply, following Himachal Pradesh's assertion that it lacks surplus water to share with Delhi. A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale instructed the Delhi government to apply the UYRB by 5 pm, seeking water supply for the national capital on humanitarian grounds.
Himachal Pradesh's revised statement
During the proceedings, the Himachal Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court that it does not possess the surplus 136 cusecs of water as previously claimed, effectively withdrawing its earlier statement.
Legal complexity and expertise
The bench acknowledged the complexity of interstate water sharing, emphasising that the Supreme Court lacks the technical expertise to make interim decisions on such matters. It suggested that decisions concerning the allocation of Yamuna water should be addressed by the bodies established under the 1994 memorandum of understanding.
Immediate actions and next steps
As per the bench's directive, the UYRB has been tasked with convening a meeting promptly upon receipt of Delhi's application and make a decision expeditiously regarding the water supply issue.
Background of the case
The Supreme Court's intervention came in response to a plea filed by the Delhi government, seeking a direction to Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to alleviate Delhi's water crisis.
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