Last Update: May 09, 2023, 06:20 IST
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (left), Delhi LG VK Saxena (right). (File PTI photo)
Delhi gets about 40 per cent raw water from Yamuna through Haryana and the rest from Ganga from Uttar Pradesh and Bhakra Nangal from Punjab.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday criticized the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for not addressing the “pathetic state of sanitation and hygiene” which he had flagged at the Wazirabad water treatment plant about two months ago.
Reacting to this, the Delhi government alleged that the LG was trying to divert attention from illegal sand mining in Haryana and dumping of industrial waste in the Yamuna river in the neighboring state.
Delhi gets about 40 per cent raw water from the Yamuna through Haryana and the rest from the Ganga from Uttar Pradesh and Bhakra Nangal from Punjab.
The Wazirabad Barrage on the Yamuna in North Delhi is the primary holding area where raw water is lifted for the Wazirabad and Chandrawal treatment plants.
According to a note issued by the lieutenant governor’s office, the DJB submitted a report to the chief secretary on April 6 without addressing the issue of the quality of water being supplied from the Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants.
It said the utility did not submit a plan for cleaning up the pond area that supplies raw water to these treatment plants, nor does it intend to take any action against the erring officials.
“The deficiencies mentioned in my note and the instructions have not been addressed in true letter and spirit. Despite my clear instructions to expedite de-silting/cleaning of the pond area at Wazirabad barrage, the timeline not only shows lack of urgency, but also does not fix accountability on those concerned,” the note said to the LG. quoting said.
In a fresh note to the chief secretary, the LG said, “It is re-emphasised that providing potable water of adequate standard to the citizens of Delhi is the foremost responsibility of DJB, which should never be compromised . Any laxity in this regard should be immediately identified and exemplary action initiated against erring officers/officials.”
“However, from the findings, suggestions and actions proposed in the instant report, it is understood that my concerns have not received the desired response. The contentions regarding the serious lapses found during my inspection are unacceptable.”
Lt Governor Saxena said there was a need to initiate “major” penalty proceedings against all the officials named in the report submitted by the DJB.
The role of other officials should be re-examined to find out any negligence on their part and action should be taken, he said, asking the DJB to submit an action taken report (ATR) within 15 days.
Water minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said the LG should explain why he did not take action against the principal secretary, finance, who has been “sitting on DJB’s funds for months”.
“LG is trying to divert attention from Haryana’s illegal sand mining and dumping of industrial waste in Yamuna. He is doing low level politics on a sensitive issue like drinking water supply.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)
