Amid the water crisis in the country’s capital, Atishi Singh, the Water Minister of Delhi, has begun an indefinite hunger strike or ‘Pani Satyagraha’ against the Haryana Government. The Delhi Government is alleging that its neighbour state is not giving Delhi’s share of water and hence the water shortage in the Capital.

Speaking at an event today, Atishi highlighted that Delhi does not have its own source of water and the water comes from the neighbouring states. She said that Delhi should get 1005 MGD of water every day of which 613 MGD water comes from Haryana. However, for the last two weeks, Haryana is sending only 513 MGD water to Delhi.

The Minister also informed that Himachal Pradesh was ready to send water but Haryana Government did not allow that water to reach Delhi.

As the North and East of India is suffering under relentless heat wave, with temperatures almost touching 50 degrees Celsius, the scarcity of water is adding to the misery of the people of Delhi.

A report by The Indian Express, there is a sharp rise in casualties and hospitalization due to heat related illnesses. It also said that in the last 10 days, nearly 70 people have reportedly died across hospitals in the city because of the heat.

On 20th June 2024, the Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant General, Delhi wrote to the Chief Secretary stating that the LG was anguished to learn about the deaths in the city because of the intense heatwave. The letter also said that the LG has directed the Chief Secretary to convene a meeting with concerned officers of Social Welfare department, DUSIB and Health, to ensure that adequate measures are in place for providing water and other facilities to destitutes, homeless and the poor.

District Magistrates were also advised to visit the shelter homes and hospitals in their jurisdiction to ensure adequate arrangements are in place for relief and emergency response where warranted.