As scorching temperatures tighten their grip on Delhi, exacerbating an already dire water crisis, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government finds itself embroiled in intense scrutiny and criticism. Residents of the national capital are left thirsty and frustrated while AAP leaders scramble to deflect blame and dodge accountability.

AAP Government imposes fines upon the public to mask its failures

Further aggravating the situation, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government has imposed fines upon the suffering public by prohibiting water utilization for certain activities. From now on, the Delhi government’s special teams will check water misuse from 30 May 2024. Regarding the misuse of water, several activities are prohibited to ensure an adequate water supply amid this heatwave situation across the national capital.

Under the Delhi government’s new policy, several activities are prohibited, and fines will be imposed for violations. The activities include washing cars with water from a pipe, overflowing water tanks, using domestic water supply for commercial purposes, and using drinking water at construction sites.

Delhi minister Atishi, who is also assigned the supply portfolio, has instructed Delhi Jal Board CEO A Anbarasu to form 200 teams to monitor water wastage in the city. These teams are given the power to fine anyone found ‘wasting’ water Rs. 2000.

The recent announcement of a Rs 2,000 penalty for water wastage has drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing the AAP of hypocrisy and desperation in attempting to mask its failures with punitive measures. Delhi Minister Atishi’s appeals for water conservation are seen as hollow, given the Government’s abject failure to address the underlying issues plaguing the city’s water supply.

AAP Government shifts blame on neighbouring Haryana, BJP hits back

Amid the water crisis, Delhi Minister Atishi has blamed Haryana for the same. Atishi has alleged that the water crisis in Delhi is due to Delhi’s share of Yamuna being stopped by Haryana. “We will approach the Supreme Court on Thursday itself over Haryana not releasing the share of Delhi’s water”, said the water minister.

On Thursday (30 May), Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha’s office bearers held protests outside Minister Atishi’s residence over the water crisis in the national capital. They raised slogans against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal outside the water minister’s residence. They demanded immediate action and accountability from the AAP government, urging them to resolve the crisis and ensure consistent water availability for all residents of Delhi.

BJP alleges a nexus between AAP and private tankers

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said that the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government is responsible for the ongoing water crisis in Delhi. The government has not made solid efforts to address the water shortage on time, resulting in a public outcry for water.

He said people knew Delhi would face a severe heat wave this year. “The AAP neither took any concrete steps nor worked on any summer action plan in this matter, resulting in the people of Delhi being troubled for basic necessities like water even in this severe heat,” he said. Sachdeva added that in April and May, AAP and its leaders were busy with political tourism and election preparations without a concern for the people.

He also stated that the water crisis has been manufactured. “There’s an outcry for water in Delhi. Is this crisis natural? No. The Arvind Kejriwal government has created this crisis of corruption. Delhi Minister Atishi repeatedly says that the Haryana government is not providing water, but she is not telling the truth. The number of water tankers will be increased in Delhi. However, it is only on paper. Tomorrow, BJP workers will protest against Arvind Kejriwal at the Delhi Secretariat to raise Delhi’s voice,” said Sachdeva.

Allegations of corruption within the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) further tarnish AAP’s image, with accusations of collusion with the infamous tanker mafia and preferential treatment for affluent neighbourhoods. As Delhiites endure the harsh realities of water scarcity, the AAP’s misplaced priorities have exacted a heavy toll on the residents of Delhi, leaving them disillusioned and disenchanted with their elected representatives.

(Featured image source: PTI)