The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of surplus water to Delhi to help the city in dealing with water crisis.

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Vishwanathan was hearing the Delhi government’s plea, seeking immediate release of water to the crisis-hit national capital.

The court asked the hill state to release the water tomorrow with prior information to the Haryana board. It also asked Haryana to make arrangements for an uninterrupted supply of water to Delhi.

"The Haryana government should allow the flow of water, which is being received from Himachal, to reach Wazirabad in Delhi without any hindrance so that the people of Delhi get drinking water," the court said.

Delhi government must ensure no wastage of water and there should not be any politics on water, said the Supreme Court, according to PTI.

The Supreme Court issued the order, noting that during the Upper Yamuna River Board meeting held on Wednesday, all members agreed that both states are experiencing extreme heat and need water. The meeting was held to find solutions to the acute water shortage faced by the residents of Delhi.

The national capital has been suffering from a crippling scarcity of water.

Last week, the Delhi government moved the Supreme Court seeking additional supply of water from neighbouring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

The Delhi government, in its plea, told the Supreme Court that the water demand in the city has risen significantly due to heatwave conditions, and urged other states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, to release extra water for a month.

The Delhi government also announced a slew of emergency measures, including a ban on the usage of potable water for car washing and its use at construction sites. It also enforced a fine of Rs 2,000 "on anyone found wasting water".

Source: India Today