Delhi’s dependence on other states for water is costing it dear. A few days after chief minister Sheila Dikshit wrote to the Prime Minister — updating him on the acute shortfall for 10 days after Haryana reduced its supply — the level of water fell in the Western Yamuna Canal on Thursday, which affected the functioning of two more plants. While Haryana claimed it had released extra water by Friday evening, parts of south and east Delhi had to go parched for two days.
According to sources, Haryana has cut down supply to the Capital by almost 250 MGD. Supply was down by 20% and 15% respectively at the 200-MGD Haiderpur plant and 100-MGD Bhagirathi plant. As for Nangloi, it has been working to half its capacity of 40 MGD as Haryana has not released 20 MGD for the plant since last year. According to DJB data, the level at Western Yamuna Canal has come down from 710 feet to 709 feet.
"With no prior information, water was reduced in the canal. Other than west, central and north Delhi, which have been battling a water crisis, south and parts of east Delhi also had reduced supply on Thursday and Friday," said Arun Mathur, CEO, DJB. The situation may improve by Saturday since Haryana Irrigation Department (HID) officials said extra water had been released for the canal. Officials of HID had recently written to the Upper Yamuna River Board, challenging the 1996 SC order that directed the state to maintain a certain pond level at Wazirabad. The Board is said to have asked Haryana to give water till the ruling is revoked, if at all.
There was a scramble for water tankers and private tankers charged at will. "We get a tanker to share among 20 houses. We are paying Rs 500 each for this," said Ajay Srivastava of Rajinder Nagar. "How long can a 15-minute supply suffice," asked Vineeta Gandevia, of Preet Vihar.
The times of India
कोई टिप्पणी नहीं:
एक टिप्पणी भेजें