In a crucial decision on Thursday, the Supreme Court permitted the State of Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of surplus water and directed the Haryana government to ensure uninterrupted flow of this water from the Hathnikund barrage to Wazirabad in Delhi. This move aims to alleviate the drinking water crisis in the national capital.
A vacation bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan instructed Himachal Pradesh to release the surplus water on June 7, with prior notification to Haryana. The Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) was directed to monitor the water released by Himachal Pradesh at Hathnikund in Haryana.
The bench emphasized that Haryana should not impede the flow of water to Delhi but should facilitate its movement. “Considering the urgency, we direct Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs water from upstream so water reaches Hathnikund barrage and reaches Delhi through Wazirabad,” the court stated. The State of Haryana was mandated to ensure the water reaches Delhi without obstruction to address the residents’ need for drinking water.
The court requested a status report on the matter by Monday.
The Delhi government had approached the Supreme Court due to the severe water shortage in the capital, exacerbated by the intense heatwave in North India. The plea sought immediate and continuous release of water at the Wazirabad barrage by Haryana.
This decision underscores the court’s commitment to addressing urgent issues affecting public welfare.
