Ammonia levels in Yamuna raise concerns: Kejriwal’s reaction to EC sparks controversy

New Delhi: In a significant development, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has responded to the Election Commission's request for evidence regarding his serious allegations against the BJP government in Haryana. Kejriwal claimed that the government was "poisoning" Delhi's water supply ahead of the February 5 elections. He emphasized that the raw water sourced from Haryana has been "highly contaminated and extremely poisonous" to human health.

Contamination Evidence Cited

Kejriwal referenced a letter from the CEO of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) addressed to the chief secretary, which confirmed alarming ammonia levels in the Yamuna River. The letter stated that ammonia levels reached 6.5 ppm, while DJB treatment facilities are only equipped to handle up to 1 ppm. This stark discrepancy raises serious concerns about water safety in the capital.

Late Wednesday night, sources from the Election Commission indicated they were reviewing Kejriwal’s response but noted it lacked substantial evidence to support his claims of water poisoning. They pointed out that his reply did not provide proof of intentional contamination by a state government nor details on how such contamination was detected.

Health Risks Highlighted

Kejriwal reiterated that toxic water presents severe health risks, citing previous statements made by both Delhi and Punjab chief ministers regarding ammonia levels. The Election Commission has sought a report from the Haryana government concerning these allegations.

An EC official stated that Kejriwal's response fell short of proving any deliberate act of poisoning aimed at harming Delhi residents. In his detailed 14-page reply, Kejriwal attributed the high toxicity levels in Yamuna water to uncontrolled industrial waste discharge from Haryana. He declared that this pollution has precipitated a public health crisis, necessitating urgent governmental intervention.

Legal and Constitutional Arguments

Kejriwal asserted that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and raising such issues should not be construed as inciting discord or undermining national integrity. He referred to dangerously high ammonia levels at Wazirabad pond, where treatment plants source their raw water, accusing Haryana of deliberately contaminating the river and suggesting an "attempt of genocide" against Delhi's populace.He further explained that consuming ammonia-laden water poses multifaceted health hazards, including neurological damage and increased infant mortality risks.

"Failure to address this contamination places millions at immediate risk and violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution," he stated.Kejriwal defended his statements against accusations of promoting enmity or public mischief, arguing they are protected under the constitutional right to free speech. He emphasized that labeling his remarks as criminal could have dire implications for democracy in India.

Call for Action

In light of these grave allegations, Kejriwal announced plans for Delhi and Punjab's chief ministers to formally request an urgent meeting with the Election Commission. He stressed that suppressing discussions about such critical public health issues contradicts democratic values and infringes on citizens' rights to demand accountability from their government.