Supreme Court Directs Himachal Pradesh to Release Water to Address Delhi Water Crisis

New Delhi, June 06, 2024: The Supreme Court directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release 137 cusecs of water to alleviate the water shortage in Delhi, amid a severe heatwave gripping northern India.

The order is of much relief for Delhites, who suffer from water shortage and several colonies are getting minimum or rationed water supply. Much of the greenery, parks and gardens are also being affected because of the shortage of water in Delhi.

The Court was responding to a petition filed by the Delhi government seeking an order for Haryana to facilitate the supply of water from Himachal Pradesh as reported by Bar and Bench.

A Vacation Bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan mandated that Himachal Pradesh release the specified amount of water on Friday, with prior notification to the Haryana government. The Court also directed Haryana to ensure the unobstructed flow of water to Delhi.

“Since Himachal Pradesh has no objection, we direct that it shall transfer 137 cusecs from upstream to ensure the water reaches Hathnikund barrage and subsequently flows to Delhi through Wazirabad,” the Court stated. “The State of Haryana shall facilitate this flow from Hathnikund to Wazirabad, ensuring that the residents of Delhi receive drinking water.”

The Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) has been tasked with measuring the water for its onward journey to Delhi. The Court instructed that a status report be submitted on Monday and listed the matter for the same day.

The apex court’s directive followed an earlier order for the Central government to convene a meeting of all stakeholders, including members of the Upper Yamuna River Board, to address Delhi’s water supply demands.

Himachal Pradesh’s counsel had previously indicated the state’s willingness to provide water to Delhi through its canal network. The Delhi government, citing the ongoing heatwave with temperatures surpassing 50 degrees Celsius, had requested additional water as an emergency measure.

Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice KV Viswanathan presided over the proceedings, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the necessity of immediate action to ensure the residents of Delhi have access to drinking water.