In a fervent display of dissent, Congress affiliates orchestrated a ‘Matka Phod’ (pitcher-breaking) demonstration in Delhi’s Krishna Nagar, targeting the AAP-led Delhi administration and the BJP-led central government. The protest underscored the escalating water scarcity afflicting the nation’s capital.
A Congress activist voiced to ANI, “The populace is being duped under the guise of water provision. The impoverished bear the brunt of this negligence. The administrations are ensnared in a blame game. Why was there no preemptive arrangement for water? Their priorities were skewed towards politicking. Through this ‘matka phod’ agitation, the Congress aims to rouse the apathetic government, which has colluded with the tanker mafia.”
He further articulated, “The Congress has resolved to shatter pitchers in every nook of Delhi to jolt the somnolent authorities. Another activist remarked that the AAP and BJP should desist from the recriminatory politics. “Had they focused solely on leakage issues, the current predicament could have been averted. Their politicking is depriving the destitute of water, which is lamentable,” he expressed.
Conversely, AAP leader Atishi asserted on Thursday that the government is undertaking all feasible measures to mitigate water wastage. Atishi also implored Delhi’s denizens to curtail water wastage amidst the water crisis exacerbated by severe heatwaves and soaring temperatures.
Previously, the Supreme Court acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the distribution of Yamuna River water among states, deferring the decision to the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) regarding Delhi’s plea for additional water amidst the ongoing crisis.
In a recent affidavit, the Delhi Government apprised the apex court of the operational tanker mafia on the Haryana side of the Yamuna River, indicating the AAP government’s lack of jurisdiction to counter this menace. The affidavit emphasized that it is incumbent upon Haryana to elucidate the measures being taken to ensure the uninterrupted water supply to Delhi from the release point to the reception point.
