Delhi water crisis: SC pulls up AAP govt for inaction on tanker mafia

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the Delhi government about the action it has taken against the so-called "tanker mafia" in the capital city as it undergoes a crippling water crisis amid a heatwave. The SC warned it would ask the Delhi police to take action the Aam Aadmi Party-led government is unable to deal with the tanker mafia.

A vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varaleadjourned the hearing for June 13.

The top court said, “People are suffering, we are seeing visuals on every news channel.” The court has asked the Delhi government to file an affidavit stating measures it has taken to control water wastage in the capital.


The apex court asked the Delhi government, “What measures have you taken to control water wastage if water scarcity is a recurring problem in summers?”


SC accused the Delhi government of making false claims. "Why were false statements made before this court? Water is coming from Himachal Pradesh then where is the water going in Delhi? There is so much spillage, tanker mafias etc.. what measures have you taken in this regard," the court said.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi earlier today wrote to the Chief Secretary directing him to ensure that these teams monitor and inspect the main water distribution network from water sources to the water treatment plants and from WTPs to primary Underground Reservoirs (UGRs).

These teams shall inspect the major pipelines to ensure that there is no leakage in any pipeline and if there is any leakage, it must be repaired within 12 hours. At this time of water shortage, not a single drop of water can be wasted.


Atishi has also spoken to the VK Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, about the crisis. Saxena said that he had spoken to the Haryana government regarding the release of water and that the state had promised "all possible help."

Delhi has been facing a severe water crisis amid a prolonged heatwave. People are dependant on water tankers in several areas of the national capital.