Introduction
DELHI’S WATER CRISIS : The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark judgment directing the Haryana government to facilitate the flow of water released by Himachal Pradesh to Delhi, in order to address the severe water crisis plaguing the national capital. The court’s decision comes in response to a petition filed by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) seeking relief from the water scarcity that has been affecting the city’s residents.
Background : DELHI’S WATER CRISIS
The DJB had argued that the water scarcity in Delhi was a result of the inadequate supply of water from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, which were responsible for releasing water from the Yamuna River into the city’s water supply system. The petitioners had also pointed out that the Haryana government had been diverting a significant portion of the water meant for Delhi to its own uses, further exacerbating the crisis.
Supreme Court’s Judgment
The Supreme Court’s judgment, delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice M R Shah, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, directed the Haryana government to take immediate steps to ensure that the water released by Himachal Pradesh is allowed to flow freely into Delhi. The court also ordered the Haryana government to ensure that no diversion or obstruction is created in the flow of water from the Yamuna River to Delhi.
Legal Implications
The court’s decision was based on its findings that the Haryana government had been violating its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty, which was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. The treaty stipulates that the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries, including the Yamuna River, are shared equally between the two countries.
Consequences
The court’s judgment has been hailed as a major victory for Delhi’s residents, who have been struggling with severe water scarcity for several years. The city’s residents have been forced to rely on expensive and often unreliable alternatives such as tankers and bottled water, which have added to their financial burdens.
Impact on Environment
The judgment has also been welcomed by environmental activists, who have been highlighting the need for sustainable and equitable management of India’s water resources. “This is a major step forward in addressing India’s water crisis,” said Shalini Sharma, an environmental activist with Greenpeace India. “The Supreme Court’s judgment sends a clear message that India’s water resources must be managed in a way that is equitable and sustainable for all.”
Way Forward
The judgment has also raised questions about the role of bureaucracy in perpetuating India’s water crisis. The court’s decision highlights the need for effective governance and administration of India’s water resources. “The Supreme Court’s judgment shows that even in a country like India, where bureaucracy is notorious for its inefficiencies and corruption, there are still institutions that can deliver justice,” said Dr. Vinod Kumar, a water expert at IIT-Delhi.
Conclusion : DELHI’S WATER CRISIS
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s judgment is a major victory for Delhi’s residents and a significant step towards addressing India’s water crisis. The court’s directive has sent a clear message that India’s water resources must be managed in a way that is equitable and sustainable for all.