Supreme Court Intervenes: Orders HP to Release 137 Cusecs, Warns Haryana Against Obstruction in Delhi Water Crisis

On Thursday, the Supreme Court addressed Delhi’s urgent water shortage, directing Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of water to meet the capital’s drinking water needs during the ongoing heatwave. Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan instructed HP to release the water by tomorrow, with prior notice to Haryana.

Here is the full story:

1. The Supreme Court directed Himachal Pradesh to transfer 137 cusecs of water from upstream to meet Delhi’s drinking water demands via the Hathnikund barrage and Wazirabad route.
2. Himachal Pradesh agreed to release the water, and the Court ordered the State to do so with prior notice to Haryana.
3. Haryana was instructed not to obstruct the flow of water from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi, but instead to facilitate its onward movement.
4. The Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) was tasked with measuring the water for its onward flow.
5. Urgency was emphasized, prompting the Court to instruct Himachal Pradesh to release the water the following day, with prior intimation to Haryana.
6. The Court mandated a status report on the matter to be submitted by Monday, with the case listed for further hearing on that day.
7. This directive came in response to a petition filed by the Delhi government, seeking Haryana’s cooperation in supplying water from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi.
8. Earlier, the Court had ordered a meeting of stakeholders, coordinated by the Central government, to address Delhi’s water supply concerns, particularly during the ongoing heatwave.

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