In a scathing statement, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena accused Minister Atishi of misleading the public and termed the water crisis as ‘criminal failure of the Kejriwal Govt’. The LG’s statement came in response to Atishi’s press conference earlier in the day, where she accused the LG of lying.
In his statement, LG said, “Minister Atishi is yet again characteristically lying to mislead the people of Delhi, create an excuse for criminal failure of the Kejriwal Govt in providing water to the people and creating a false public narrative even while the SC is hearing the matter.”
Key Points from LG Saxena's Statement
Water Treatment Plant Production: Saxena highlighted that according to Atishi's own admission, all Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in Delhi, except for the Wazirabad WTP, are producing water beyond their capacity. The Wazirabad WTP, however, is hampered due to the reservoir behind the Wazirabad barrage being filled with silt to 96% of its capacity and not desilted for the past decade.
Munak Canal Repairs: Addressing the issue of the Munak Canal, Saxena noted that the Haryana government undertakes repairs at the request and expense of the Delhi government. He criticised the Delhi government for failing to assess the disrepair of the canal lining and not requesting necessary repairs.
Custodians of Water Supply: The LG emphasized that the Delhi government and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) are the custodians and owners of the water supplied to Delhi. He accused the DJB of not filing complaints or FIRs regarding water theft by tankers, suggesting an active connivance between the tanker mafia and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Call for Accountability: Saxena urged Atishi to file a complaint and assured that the LG's office would ensure strict action. He also pointed out that if the Kejriwal government could address the 54% unaccounted water and 40% leakage, there would be ample water for the residents of Delhi. He accused Minister Atishi of avoiding discussion on these issues due to a nexus between her party and the water mafia.
What Atishi had said?
Earlier in the day, Atishi held a press conference and insisted that the Haryana government is responsible for the maintenance of the Munak Canal and should carry out any necessary repairs. She also alleged that water is scarce at the entry point into Delhi, implying that if there is any theft from water tankers, such theft occurs in Haryana.
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