Delhi’s Water Crisis: CM Atishi Labels It as ‘Terrorism’ While Kejriwal Pledges to Protect Citizens

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has reached out to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), calling for urgent action regarding the rising ammonia levels in the Yamuna River, which she claims are affecting the water supply in Delhi.

Also Read: AAP leader Atishi assures that the toxic foam in the Yamuna River will disappear in the “next two days.”

Details from the letter

In her correspondence, CM Atishi accused Haryana of being responsible for the situation, asserting, “The information presented in the note from the CEO of Delhi Jal Board clearly indicates that the DJB Water Treatment Plants can handle ammonia levels only up to 1 ppm.”

She continued, stating, “The note highlights that ammonia levels in the water flowing from Haryana to Delhi via the Yamuna have risen due to the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste from Haryana, reaching levels exceeding 7 ppm in the past two days—700% over the treatable threshold.”

CM Atishi further mentioned in her letter, “These hazardous ammonia levels in the water received from Haryana have significantly hindered Delhi’s water treatment plants from operating effectively, resulting in a reduction of water supply by 15 to 20%, affecting around 34 lakh residents in Delhi. It is well-known that elevated ammonia levels in drinking water may lead to serious public health issues, including kidney damage, respiratory problems, and potential long-term organ damage.”

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Atishi has characterized the predicament as “an act of water terrorism,” accusing the Haryana Government of deliberately disrupting Delhi’s water supply with the aim of influencing the upcoming elections.

“Even with the known toxic consequences of discharging ammonia into the raw water supply, the note from the CEO of Delhi Jal Board unequivocally states that the present water supply crisis in Delhi is due to the reckless and intentional dumping of untreated sewage and industrial waste from Haryana. This is not a case of negligence; it is an act of water terrorism aimed at compromising free and fair elections in Delhi,” she asserted in her letter.

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She also requested an urgent meeting with the CEC to discuss the issue and ensure that the elections are not affected by outside influences.

“I ask you to grant me an appointment today regarding this critical issue so that the elections in Delhi are not undermined by any external factors,” CM Atishi wrote.

AAP vs BJP: Reactions from leaders

AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Atishi has once again penned a letter to the Election Commission today concerning the water issue. The CEO of Delhi Jal Board confirmed yesterday that the water supplied to Delhi contains a toxic substance known as ammonia. The Election Commission has scheduled a meeting for Bhagwant Mann and Atishi at 4 pm today. Both will attend. Saini Sahab (Haryana CM), don’t politicize water. Don’t intimidate us with threats of legal action. I will ensure that the citizens of Delhi are protected. Advise your party against engaging in such underhanded politics…”

Earlier, Haryana CM Nayab Saini had rebuked the AAP for their claims, stating that AAP has failed to manage water distribution effectively and are simply attempting to blame others.

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“It is his (Arvind Kejriwal) tendency to accuse and then distance himself from the matter. There is a phrase, ‘thooko aur bhago (spit and run)’. This reflects Kejriwal’s behavior. I suggested that he send his chief secretary, and I would instruct my chief secretary to verify the water quality at Sonipat, from where it enters Delhi,” Saini commented.