No let-up in Delhis water crisis
Haryana continues to withhold city's share of drinking water Water production in two of the Capital's water treatment plants has also come down "We are hoping the CWC will get Haryana to release more water to our demand' NEW DELHI: There is no let-up in Delhi's water crisis as Haryana continues to withhold the city's share of drinking water. The water production in two of the Capital's water treatment plants has also come down, affecting large parts of North and Central Delhi. While production at Chandrawal on Monday came down by 30 per cent, the reduction at Wazirabad is almost 50 per cent. "Despite our repeated reminders and requests, Haryana has refused to release our full share of water. We have reduced water production at both the plants to maintain the critical pond level at Wazirabad,' said a Delhi Jal Board official. He said the Board had again urged the Central Water Commission to intervene. "We are hoping the CWC will get Haryana to release more water to meet our drinking water needs.' In the absence of the required quantum of water, several parts of the NDMC area including residences of VIPs and some parts of North Delhi including Model Town, Civil Lines and Kingsway Camp have been experiencing water shortage. Referring to the water crisis, Jal Board's Chief Executive Officer Arun Mathur said: "Even if Haryana is getting less water from Bhakra Beas Management Board, it cannot arbitrarily cut Delhi's share. The water sharing agreement does not give them the discretion to reduce the quantity meant for the Capital.' He said taking note of the impending summer, the Board is prepared to bring the issue to the notice of the "highest authorities' and the Chief Minister too has expressed concern over Haryana's refusal to stick to the water sharing agreement. "The Chief Minister has made it clear that the issue will be taken to the highest levels. She said the Delhi Government would do whatever is required to secure Delhi's share from the Yamuna waters,' Mr. Mathur added.