Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has claimed that Haryana is resorting to “water terrorism” by intentionally contaminating water supply to national capital, thereby causing a public health crisis and disrupting the water supply of millions. Atishi in a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday alleged that Haryana’s moves are a threat to holding free and fair elections in Delhi.
Highlighting the increasing level of ammonia in water in Delhi, Atishi said that untreated sewage and industrial waste from Haryana had rendered Delhi’s water treatment plants nearly incapacitated. She said ammonia levels in water supplied through the Yamuna River have risen to over 7 ppm, meaning 700 percent above its treatable limit of 1 ppm, which has resulted in a reduction of 15-20 percent in water supply, affecting 34 lakh residents.
Delhi CM Atishi accuses water terrorism in Haryana, says it is causing serious health concerns
Atishi underlined the serious health implications of high ammonia levels in the air, such as damage to kidneys, respiratory distress, and long-term damage to organs. She requested the ECI to intervene, claiming that this crisis was not an act of negligence but a well-planned conspiracy to sabotage the elections in Delhi.
“In my letter dated January 27, 2025, I mentioned how the Government of Haryana is creating havoc with Delhi’s water supply. The DJB has verbally confirmed that the ammonia levels have consistently increased due to the untreated sewage and industrial wastes from Haryana, which has caused the crisis the city is facing right now,” Atishi wrote.
Water treatment plants of the DJB are thus far treating it, designed only for ammonia up to 1 ppm; consequently, there is a severe shortage in its supply at Delhi. The leader called it “water terrorism,” citing a deliberate and calculated move by Haryana in trying to destabilize the Delhi governance during the election time.
The letter also stressed the urgency to take immediate actions to prevent more health hazards and restore the water supply.