Expressing deep concern about the recent tragedy in East Delhi, where a woman lost her life in a dispute over alleged water supply inadequacy, Atishi, a prominent leader of the AAP party and a minister in Delhi, has called upon Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to take urgent action. Atishi urged for the immediate suspension of the CEO of Delhi Jal Board within 24 hours, holding him accountable for what she described as “criminal negligence” occurring under his oversight.
In addition to this, Atishi has also appealed to L-G Saxena to address the broader issues regarding water supply in the national capital. In a letter dated April 14, she detailed the incident, stating, “A shocking incident has happened in the Farsh Bazar/ Bhikam Singh Colony area of East Delhi where shortage of water supply led to violence, and has culminated in the death of a woman.” She emphasized that both the Chief Minister and herself had provided clear directives and a roadmap for improving water supply over the past year. Despite repeated instructions given to the CEO of Delhi Jal Board and the Chief Secretary over the last six months, no significant action has been taken to alleviate the water crisis in the city.
Atishi highlighted the numerous reminders sent to the CEO of DJB and the chief secretary in recent weeks to ensure water supply augmentation, including the installation of tube wells and water tankers. She expressed frustration over the lack of response, noting, “Grievances regarding water shortage have regularly been sent to Chief Secretary on WhatsApp.” She further mentioned a specific instance on April 3, 2024, where she demanded an action-taken-report on steps being taken by DJB, only to receive a dismissive response from the CEO citing the Model Code of Conduct.
The minister condemned the ‘callous inaction’ of the DJB officers, attributing it directly to the tragic loss of life in East Delhi. She called for immediate and exemplary action against those responsible, asserting, “This inaction is tantamount to criminal negligence and cannot be ignored.” Atishi also alleged a deliberate effort to hinder DJB’s funding, which she claimed has paralyzed the board for nearly a year due to non-release of funds by the Finance Department.
In conclusion, Atishi urged the L-G to promptly address the situation and take decisive action against those accountable for the water shortage, emphasizing the urgency in preventing such tragedies from occurring again. Previously, a 15-year-old girl was apprehended by Delhi police for allegedly stabbing a woman during a dispute related to water supply in Shahdara’s Farsh Bazar area.