Shruti Suman
New Delhi : In response to a severe water crisis amidst a scorching summer, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has imposed a ₹ 2,000 fine for using a hose to wash cars, utilizing domestic water for commercial purposes, and allowing water tanks to overflow.
Delhi Minister Atishi, responsible for water supply, has instructed the Delhi Jal Board CEO A Anbarasu to establish 200 teams to monitor and curb water wastage. These teams will inspect residential areas to identify and prevent the misuse of drinking water. Activities like washing cars with a hose, overflowing water tanks, and using domestic water for commercial or construction purposes will be penalized with a ₹ 2,000 fine.
This measure follows Ms. Atishi’s accusation that the Haryana government is withholding Delhi’s allocated water supply. She highlighted that the water level in Wazirabad, home to one of Delhi’s six water treatment plants, has dropped significantly, exacerbating the water crisis in various areas.
Minister Atishi has urged Delhi residents to cooperate by conserving water. Areas receiving water twice daily will now only get it once a day. She emphasized the importance of not wasting water during this critical period.
If the situation doesn’t improve within the next couple of days, the Delhi government plans to take legal action against the Haryana government, potentially involving the Supreme Court.
The Opposition BJP has criticized the AAP government for the crisis, questioning the absence of a ‘Summer Action Plan’ despite the anticipated extreme heat. The BJP also challenged the AAP’s reliance on Haryana for water, suggesting alternative sources like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, where AAP has political influence.
Delhi’s water shortage coincides with extreme temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius and a minimum of around 30 degrees Celsius, which is 2.8 degrees above normal. The weather office forecasts continued heatwave conditions and advises residents to minimize heat exposure and stay hydrated.
