Delhi's water crisis deepens: AAP blames Haryana for alarming ammonia levels in Yamuna

New Delhi: In a heated exchange regarding the water quality of the Yamuna River, Shilpa Shinde, CEO of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), firmly rejected allegations made by Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kejriwal had accused the Haryana government of releasing “poison” into the river, a claim Shinde labeled as “factually incorrect, without basis, and misleading.” In her letter addressed to Delhi's chief secretary, Dharmendra, Shinde expressed concern about the potential ramifications of such statements on interstate relations and public trust.

Allegations of Pollution

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had intensified the rhetoric by likening the Haryana government's actions to “biological warfare,” warning that it could lead to mass casualties in Delhi. This assertion was echoed by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi during a press conference, who accused Haryana of intentionally discharging industrial waste into the Yamuna.

Monitoring Water Quality

In her correspondence, Shinde reassured that the DJB consistently monitors water quality and adjusts treatment processes accordingly. She explained that during winter months, ammonia levels in the Yamuna naturally rise due to decreased flow and the influx of untreated sewage or industrial waste from upstream. The DJB's treatment facilities are equipped to manage ammonia concentrations up to 1 ppm and can even handle higher levels, such as 6.5 ppm currently observed, through dilution methods.

Addressing Underlying Issues

Shinde noted that reduced water flow in winter exacerbates the impact of untreated sewage upstream. However, she acknowledged that the Haryana government is taking steps to rectify these issues, including installing pipelines in compliance with directives from the National Green Tribunal.

Impact on Relations

The DJB CEO urged the chief secretary to escalate this matter to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, emphasizing that such “fear-mongering statements” could mislead residents of Delhi and harm relations with Haryana, a crucial upstream state. Following this request, the chief secretary forwarded Shinde's note to the lieutenant governor, highlighting its significance for interstate relations.

Counterclaims from Haryana

In response to Kejriwal's accusations, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini denied any wrongdoing and criticized the AAP government for deflecting blame for its own shortcomings onto others.As discussions about water cleanliness and quality intensify, particularly with Delhi's Assembly elections approaching on February 5, this issue has become a focal point in the politically charged environment.