Delhi Water Crisis: Supreme Court Orders Himachal Pradesh To Release Water

The Supreme Court directed the Himachal Pradesh on Thursday to release water to New Delhi as a heatwave across north India has aggravated water shortage in the city. The state has been asked to release 137 cusecs of water, while Haryana has been asked to facilitate the release.

During the hearing, Haryana had argued that there was a lack of mechanism to measure and separate this additional water received from Himachal. However, the apex court rejected this, pointing out that Himachal had not objection to supplying water to Delhi.

"The Haryana government should allow the flow of water, which is being received from Himachal, to reach Wazirabad in Delhi without any hindrance so that the people of Delhi get drinking water," the court said.

Water levels in the Yamuna river have been dipping over the years due to intense summers. The river accounts for 40% of Delhi's water supply. Water from the Yamuna is sourced through Haryana.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi had requested Haryana and Himachal to release water to the region.

There should not be any politics on water and no wastage, the bench said, seeking a status report by Monday.