Delhi water crisis: To address the water shortage in the capital city during the intense summer heat, the Delhi government has issued orders to prevent unnecessary water usage. They announced a penalty of Rs 2,000 for wasteful water practices, such as washing cars with hoses and using household water for construction or commercial activities.
Delhi Water Minister Atishi has issued directions to Delhi Jal Board CEO A Anbarasu to form 200 teams to monitor and reduce cases of water wastage.
In a letter, Atishi said, "There is an acute heat wave in Delhi and a shortage of water supply since Haryana is not releasing Delhi's share of water. Under these circumstances, the conservation of water becomes extremely important. However, it has been seen that there is serious wastage of water in many parts of Delhi. There are also illegal connections taken by construction sites and commercial establishments, from water supply meant for domestic use. There is a need to crack down on this misuse of water.
"CEO DJB is hereby directed to immediately deploy 200 teams across Delhi to crackdown upon: 1. Washing of cars with pipes, 2. Overflow of water tanks and 3. Use of domestic water supply for construction or commercial purposes. These teams shall be deployed from 8 am tomorrow morning (30.05.2024), and shall impose a fine of Rs 2000 on anyone found wasting water; and shall disconnect any illegal water connections on construction sites or commercial establishments," she added.
Haryana stopped Yamuna water supply to Delhi
Earlier, Atishi accused Haryana of not releasing Delhi's share of water since May 1 and said the government will be implementing a slew of measures including rationalising supply of water in the national capital.
She said that the Delhi government may approach the Supreme Court if the supply of Yamuna water to the city does not improve in the coming days. The minister also said that the government might be forced to issuing challans to people for activities like washing vehicles.
