Supreme Court directs Himachal Pradesh to release 137 Cusecs of water to Delhi, orders no obstruction from Haryana

Taking cognizance of the crisis over water shortage in the national capital, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release 137 cusecs of water available to it for Delhi.

The plea before a vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan noted that the Himachal Pradesh government has indicated its willingness to release its surplus water by tomorrow, without objection.

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Additionally, the bench instructed the state of Haryana not to obstruct the ongoing flow of water from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi but, rather, to facilitate its passage.

“Since Himachal has no objection, we direct that it shall transfer 137 cusecs from upstream so water reaches Hathnikund barrage and reaches Delhi through Wazirabad. As and when the surplus water is released by State of Himachal Pradesh with prior intimation, the State of Haryana shall facilitate the flow of water from Hathnikund to Wazirabad so it reaches Delhi without obstruction so the residents get drinking water,” the court stated in the order, as per Bar and Bench.

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The court also directed the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) to measure water for its onward flow.

“Considering the urgency, we direct Himachal Pradesh to release the water tomorrow with prior intimation to Haryana and UYRB shall measure the water for onward supply. Status report be submitted on Monday, list on Monday,” the Court directed.

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The top court was hearing a plea filed by the Delhi government, requesting Haryana to release surplus water supplied by Himachal Pradesh to alleviate the national capital’s ongoing water shortage, due to the ongoing heatwave. The national capital is currently experiencing temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.

The plea named the Centre, Haryana governed by the BJP, and Himachal Pradesh governed by the Congress as parties, highlighting that access to water is crucial for survival and a fundamental human right.

On Monday, the Bench had ordered the Central government to convene a meeting of all stakeholders, including those from the Upper Yamuna River Board, to address the demands of the Delhi government.

Notably, Himachal Pradesh’s counsel had previously stated that the state was prepared to provide water to Delhi through its canal network.