Haryana Threatens To Cut Water Supply To Delhi, DJB failed to clear dues to the tune of Rs 70 crore
By Leo11, Section Water
Posted on Sat May 10, 2008 at 01:22:12 AM EST
Delhites may have to brace for a parched summer if the Haryana government goes ahead with its threat to cut the city's share of water by 60 per cent.
WATER WAR
- HARYANA ALLEGES: DELHI HAS failed to clear dues amounting to Rs 70 crore for operation and maintenance of its canal since 1996.
- DELHI HAS been releasing untreated water to Yamuna.
- DJB SAYS: ALL DUES have been cleared.
- IF HARYANA disrupts supply, it will be contempt of the Supreme Court's 1996 order.
The Haryana government has alleged that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has failed to clear dues to the tune of Rs 70 crore accrued towards operation and maintenance of its canals to Haryana since 1996. Not only his, Haryana has also alleged that off late Delhi has been releasing huge quantum of untreated water into Yamuna river.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, R.N. Prashar, Financial Commissioner in Haryana Irriga tion department said, "We are issuing a notice to Delhi govern- ment shortly that if DJB does not clear its dues soon we will curtail extra supply of Yamuna water to the ex- tent of 60 percent."
"Delhi is treating just 25 per cent of the water it is drawing from Yamuna and throws the remaining untreated water full of effluents for our use. The Biological Oxygen Demand of the water that Delhi releases is as high as 40," Parashar added.
Click on "Full Story" for more...
DJB has, however, termed Haryana's allegations as completely baseless. Arun Mathur, DJB Chief Executive Officer said, "We have been paying our canal maintenance dues regularly since 1996. If, however, there is any dispute and if the Central Water Commission finds anything payable by DJB we will abide by it."
Mathur said that if Haryana curtails Delhi's share of water it would be contempt of Supreme Court order. "The apex court has categorically directed Haryana to release whatever quantum of water that is required by DJB to keep the Haiderpur and Wazirabad water treatment plants (WTP) function ing to its optimum level," he said.
On allegations that Delhi is releasing untreated water into the Yamuna, Mathur said, "It is only now that we have got permission to lay sewer lines in the 1500 odd unauthorised colonies. Also work is underway on the Rs 1500 crore Interceptor Sewer project. Once complete it will treat and release better quality water in Yamuna."
Its not the first time Haryana has threatened to disrupt water supply In the past Delhi residents . had been forced to suffer because of Haryana holding back water meant for the Capital.
Senior DB officials said the Supreme Court had directed Haryana in 1996 to ensure that Delhi gets its share of water.
Source: HT, May-10-208
