The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has termed the allegations leveled by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Haryana of releasing poison in the Yamuna water as factually incorrect and misleading. This matter came up when Kejriwal made a serious allegation on the BJP’s Haryana government that poison was deliberately mixed in the raw water of Yamuna so that the people of Delhi are harmed and the blame for this comes on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Now, after the clarification of Delhi Jal Board, the matter has taken a new turn.
Claim of poison in Yamuna is baseless: Delhi Jal Board CEO
Delhi Jal Board CEO Shilpa Shinde wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary, denying Kejriwal’s allegations. She clarified that the matter of Haryana releasing poison in the Yamuna water is baseless and wrong. The letter said that such misleading statements create unnecessary fear among the residents of Delhi and also adversely affect the relations between the states connected to Yamuna.
Regular water quality monitoring
The Jal Board also informed that the quality of raw water coming from the Yamuna river is regularly monitored. Water supply is controlled as per the parameters. Every winter the ammonia level in Yamuna increases, which affects the quality of water. This problem often comes up between October and February. Currently, the ammonia level in Yamuna water in Wazirabad pond has reached 6.5 ppm, due to which the production of Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants has reduced by 15-20%.
Water Board’s focus on facts and solutions
Shilpa Shinde also said in her statement that the latest investigation at Wazirabad pond has shown a decrease in the level of ammonia. It is expected that this level will become normal in the coming days and water production can be restored again. Along with this, she told that Delhi Jal Board takes care of every possible safety during water supply.
Effect of false statements
The letter also emphasizes that such baseless allegations create fear in the public and can spoil interstate relations. In view of this, it has been recommended to bring this issue to the attention of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
Allegations went up to ‘water terrorism’
The matter came into further discussion when senior AAP leader Atishi wrote a letter to the Election Commission accusing the Haryana government of “water terrorism”. However, the Delhi Jal Board says that this statement is also baseless and there is no evidence that can justify these allegations.
Rising ammonia levels in winter season
The Delhi Jal Board clarified that the increase in ammonia level in Yamuna is a normal process, which occurs every year during winter. This change is affected by the low water level in the river and the flow of dirty water. This affects the supply and quality of water, but it is constantly monitored by the Jal Board.
Unnecessary fear among the people
The Jal Board expressed its concern and said that such statements spread unnecessary fear among the public and have a negative impact on the cordial relations between the states. Keeping in mind the impact it has on inter-state affairs, this issue needs to be taken seriously.