Chandigarh- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's allegations of "poisonous water" in the Yamuna River as a "political stunt." Saini accused Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of attempting to influence voters ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections and deflect from their own shortcomings. He also stated that he raised the issue with the Election Commission of India.
Saini asserted that Haryana has been diligently fulfilling its responsibility of ensuring a reliable water supply to the national capital. He highlighted the Delhi government's 2021 petition to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding water quality issues. The CPCB's response pointed to ammonia nitrogen contamination in the Wazirabad pond and suggested a water treatment plant capable of handling such levels. However, Saini stated that the Delhi government has failed to upgrade the Wazirabad plant, leading to continued contamination of the water supply.
Saini defended the state's commitment to the Yamuna River's cleanliness, emphasizing its importance as a lifeline for both Haryana and Delhi. He condemned Kejriwal's remarks as an insult to the faith and cultural traditions of Haryana, which reveres the Yamuna as a sacred river.
Saini clarified that Delhi receives 1,049 cusecs of drinking water from the Yamuna and Ravi-Beas rivers through a canal system, ensuring a clean and consistent supply. He further revealed a CPCB investigation conducted between January 7 and 13, 2021, which identified illegal discharge of wastewater between Palla and Wazirabad as a major source of pollution. The report also highlighted the accumulation of sediment in the Wazirabad pond contributing to ammonia nitrogen levels. Despite the findings, the Delhi government has reportedly taken no action to address the issue.
Saini urged residents to prioritize water conservation, emphasizing its importance for both present and future generations.
You can also join our WhatsApp group to get premium and selected news of The Mooknayak on WhatsApp. Click here to join the WhatsApp group.