Delhi Government Seeks Supreme Court Direction for Haryana to Release Surplus Water Amid Crisis

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from the Delhi government on Monday, seeking a directive for Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh. The plea addresses the severe water crisis in Delhi, exacerbated by record-high temperatures. The Delhi government emphasizes the necessity of water for basic human rights.

The Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal plea from the Delhi government on Monday, aiming to mitigate the severe water crisis by directing Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh.

A vacation bench of justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan will preside over the case, according to the apex court's cause list.

The plea, initiated by Delhi's Water Minister Atishi, has named the Centre, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh as respondents, underscoring the essential nature of water as a basic human right and a component of Article 21, which guarantees a dignified life.

The plea highlights that the ongoing water shortage exacerbates the already critical situation during the peak summer season, infringing on the residents' right to a dignified life.

It calls for urgent action, directing Haryana to release water at the Wazirabad barrage.

The Delhi government filed the plea citing the acute water scarcity caused by extreme heat, resulting in frequent supply cuts and disruption of daily life.

Despite measures to optimize water distribution, the crisis persists, necessitating additional water supply.

The city government emphasized that the plea is a temporary measure, not a resolution to any inter-state water disputes, but a response to the unprecedented temperature surge and subsequent water demand.

The petition also points to the critical water levels in other primary sources and highlights Haryana's cooperation as crucial.

It stresses the immediate need for Haryana to release the surplus water from Himachal Pradesh through existing channels to address this emergency.