In “Poison In Yamuna” Row, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi’s “Nadir Shah” Jab At Lt Governor

High Ammonia Levels in Yamuna Poison Delhi’s Water Supply, Sparks Political Clash

The Yamuna River’s rising ammonia levels have severely impacted Delhi’s water supply. This situation has led to a fresh political dispute amid the ongoing Delhi Assembly elections. Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi has accused Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena of inaction, alleging that the pollution crisis is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the city’s water resources.

Yamuna’s Water Contamination: A Growing Crisis

• Ammonia levels in Yamuna have spiked beyond acceptable limits, rendering the water unsafe for consumption.
• The high toxicity has forced the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to cut water supply, affecting thousands of households.
• The contamination is believed to be caused by untreated industrial waste, sewage discharge, and chemical pollutants from upstream regions.

Atishi vs. LG: Political Accusations Fly

• Delhi Water Minister Atishi has blamed the BJP-led Haryana government for allowing excessive pollutants to flow into the Yamuna.
• She also accused LG V.K. Saxena of ignoring the crisis, calling it a planned attack on Delhi’s water security during elections.
• AAP leaders claim that the pollution is a political move to disrupt public services and create dissatisfaction among voters.

BJP’s Response and Counterclaims

• The BJP has denied all allegations, stating that AAP is using the water crisis as an election strategy.
• The party claims that Delhi’s water treatment mismanagement is to blame, not external pollution sources.
• BJP leaders have demanded that the Delhi government improve water filtration infrastructure rather than shifting blame.

Impact on Residents and Health Risks

• Millions of Delhi residents are facing water shortages, forcing them to rely on tankers and bottled water.
• Experts warn that high ammonia levels can cause serious health issues, including kidney damage and digestive problems.
• Environmentalists have urged immediate measures, such as improving wastewater treatment plants and strict pollution control enforcement.

What Happens Next?

• The Delhi government is seeking urgent intervention from central authorities to regulate upstream pollution.
• The Election Commission may review political allegations, given the ongoing election period.
• If contamination levels do not decrease, further water supply disruptions may follow, worsening the city’s crisis.

With elections approaching, the Yamuna pollution issue has become a major political flashpoint. This situation leaves Delhi residents caught in the middle of a public health emergency. They are also trapped in a political blame game.