Delhi water crisis: Supreme Court tells Yamuna River Board to decide State's plea for more water at the earliest

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Upper River Yamuna Board to convene meetings at the earliest and take an expeditious decision on the Delhi government's request for the release of an additional 152 cusecs of water to combat the water shortage crisis in Delhi [Government of NCT of Delhi v. State of Haryana and Ors]..The Court passed the order while disposing of the Delhi government's petition, which had called for directions to the Haryana government to facilitate the supply of water to Delhi from Himachal Pradesh, in order to tackle the Delhi water crisis.A Vacation Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale today stated that it does not have the expertise to decide on the water-sharing formula between Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.The Court, therefore, left it to the Upper Yamuna River Board to examine if some relief can be extended to Delhi in terms of releasing additional water supply. "We are of the view that the issue concerning sharing of water between States already signatory to an agreements is complex and sensitive and this court does not have the expertise to decide the formula. The Upper Yamuna River Board has already requested the petitioner to submit an application towards additional 152 cusecs of water on humanitarian grounds. Such application if not already made should be filed by tomorrow. This writ petition is disposed of. The Board is to decide the application at the earliest and convene day-to-day meetings if required," the Court said..The top court had earlier ordered the Central government to hold a meeting of all stakeholders who form part of the Upper Yamuna River Board to address the Delhi government's demands.On June 6, the Court had taken note of the urgency in the matter and directed the Himachal government to release 137 cusecs of water. Pertinently, it had directed Haryana to facilitate the same, as the water passes through its canals there before reaching Delhi.Yesterday, the Court had asked the Delhi government to file a report on the steps taken to prevent water loss, including steps to tackle "water tanker mafias" who appeared to be diverting water supplied to Delhi. .Representing the Delhi government, Senior Advocate AM Singhvi today assured the Court that stringent steps are being taken to tackle tanker mafia. A comprehensive affidavit has been filed on such steps to combat water loss, Singhvi informed.Referring to the harsh comments made by the Bench yesterday, Justice Mishra today said that the Court may sometimes make such remarks to prompt action."Steps are being taken, but these days only the negative aspects of this are being highlighted. We say many things just to activate you," he said..The Bench eventually opined that the appropriate remedy for the Delhi government may be to press its requests before the Yamuna River Board for the release of more water."Did you (Delhi) move the board? You might not have because we passed the 137 order. You have not alleged that Himachal did not release, but it is already flowing. You should have moved the board if you needed surplus despite 137 (cusecs) flowing. Or do you want water only by writ of this court? Solution is only with the court?" the Court remarked.Representing the State of Haryana, Senior Advocate Shyam Divan supported the Court's view, asserting that there were technical issues involved that are better settled by the Board.Advocate Shadan Farasat, who also appeared for the Delhi government, however pointed out that the Board had earlier left the matter to the Haryana government."Board had said, write to Haryana ... They (Board) said leave it to Haryana and we are stuck," he pointed out.The Court, however, decided to eventually dispose of the matter by directing the Yamuna Water Board to decide on Delhi's request without delay.Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan appeared for the State of Himachal Pradesh..[Follow our live-coverage of today's hearing]