Introduction
In response to the severe water crisis in Delhi, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release surplus water to Delhi. This directive was issued with a stipulation that the release of water should be done with proper intimation to the Haryana government, which serves as a conduit for the water supply to the national capital.
Background
Delhi has been grappling with an acute water shortage exacerbated by a severe heatwave, which has pushed the demand for water to unprecedented levels. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been struggling to meet the city’s water demand of approximately 1,290 million gallons per day (MGD), against its current supply capability of about 1,000 MGD. The situation has been further aggravated by low water levels in the Yamuna River and power outages at water treatment plants【80†source】【81†source】.
Supreme Court’s Directive
On June 3, 2024, a vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan ordered the Upper Yamuna River Board to convene an emergency meeting involving all stakeholder states, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The objective of this meeting, scheduled for June 5, is to address and resolve the water scarcity issues faced by Delhi. The court mandated that the minutes of this meeting and the proposed steps should be submitted by June 6【81†source】【82†source】.
Key Points of the Hearing
- Himachal Pradesh’s Offer: Himachal Pradesh expressed its readiness to provide surplus water to Delhi. However, since Himachal Pradesh does not share a direct border with Delhi, the water must pass through Haryana via the Wazirabad Barrage【80†source】【83†source】.
- Haryana’s Role: The Delhi government has accused Haryana of not releasing its rightful share of water, a claim that Haryana disputes. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Haryana, emphasized the need for Delhi to address its significant water wastage issues, citing that nearly 52% of water supplied to Delhi is lost due to leakage, tanker mafia, and theft【81†source】【82†source】.
- Delhi’s Plea: Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi government, clarified that their plea is not adversarial but seeks a temporary solution to mitigate the water crisis until the monsoon season arrives. He highlighted the critical reduction in water levels at the Wazirabad Barrage and the urgent need for additional water supplies from neighboring states【82†source】【83†source】.
- Court’s Stand: The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of a cooperative approach among the states to address the water crisis in Delhi. The court urged all parties to work together to ensure that the residents of Delhi receive an adequate water supply【81†source】【83†source】.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s intervention in the Delhi water crisis highlights the critical need for inter-state cooperation and effective water management strategies. As the capital faces soaring temperatures and increased water demand, the resolution of this crisis hinges on the collaborative efforts of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and other involved states. The upcoming meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board is expected to pave the way for immediate relief measures and long-term solutions to ensure a stable water supply for Delhi.