Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has sharply criticized Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for allegedly deflecting blame over the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River. Saini accused the Delhi government of misleading the public and failing to address the real sources of pollution.
Accusations of Habitual Lying
Saini did not mince words, accusing the AAP government of being “habitual liars” and constantly shifting the blame onto others instead of taking responsibility. He emphasized that the Haryana government has consistently provided clean water to Delhi, with a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 2-3 mg per litre, far below harmful levels.
“The water we supply through the CLC canal is nearly free of pollutants,” Saini pointed out. “But the Delhi government must explain who is responsible for the 28 drains of untreated water flowing from Delhi into the Yamuna.”
Misuse of Yamuna Action Plan Funds?
The Haryana CM went on to question how Delhi’s government has used the Rs 6,000 crore allocated by the Centre for the Yamuna Action Plan, including Rs 3,000 crore received over the past two years. “What did they do with that money?” Saini asked, demanding transparency and accountability from the AAP administration.
Atishi’s Counterclaims: Blame on BJP
In a counterattack, Delhi CM Atishi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in “dirty politics” to obscure the real cause behind rising pollution levels in the city. According to Atishi, the BJP governments in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are responsible for increasing stubble burning and releasing industrial waste into the Yamuna.
Atishi also highlighted the Delhi government’s efforts to combat pollution, such as the introduction of CNG and electric buses, in contrast to the diesel buses from neighboring states. She questioned why Haryana and UP haven’t followed suit, alleging that they prefer to “play politics with the health of Delhi residents.”
Action Promised by Delhi Govt
Despite the escalating war of words, Atishi assured the public that the Delhi government, under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, is actively working to address both air and water pollution. She promised that defoaming efforts in the Yamuna River would begin again soon to counter the toxic foam formation.
