Supreme Court calls urgent meeting on Delhi water crisis

The Supreme Court has called for an urgent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) on June 5 to address the severe water shortage in Delhi. This decision came as a response to a plea from the Delhi government, seeking additional water from Haryana to alleviate the crisis.

Delhi's plea highlights the acute water shortage caused by the intense heatwave in North India, particularly in the capital. The Delhi government has urged Haryana to release the surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh at the Wazirabad barrage. Delhi water minister Atishi noted that the water level at Wazirabad pond has significantly dropped from 674.5 ft last year to 671 ft this year, leading to disruptions at water treatment plants.

The Supreme Court will hear Delhi's plea on June 6 to address the situation. The court has requested the minutes of the UYRB meeting and suggestions on immediate steps to tackle the crisis. In response to the emergency, the Delhi government set up a central control room on May 30 to monitor the city's water supply. Led by an IAS officer, this control room aims to ensure the efficient distribution of water. A helpline number, '1916', has also been established for residents to request water tankers.