he Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Delhi government over the prevalence of the 'tanker mafia' and water wastage amid crisis in the capital, and asked what measures it has taken against them.
The top court asked the Delhi government to explain steps taken to prevent water wastage.
A vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale told the Delhi government that if it can't deal with the tanker mafia, it will ask the Delhi Police to take action in the matter.
"Delhi tanker mafia is working, and you are not taking action. If the Delhi government can't take action, then we can ask Delhi police to take action," the Supreme Court said.
"Why were false statements made before this court? Water is coming from Himachal Pradesh. Then where is the water going in Delhi? There is so much spillage, tanker mafias.. What measures have you taken in this regard?
Citing media reports or coverage of the Delhi water crisis, the bench said, "People are suffering, we are seeing visuals on all news channel. What measures have you taken to control water wastage if water scarcity is a recurring problem in summers."
The top court was hearing a plea filed by the Delhi government seeking a direction to Haryana to release the surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to the national capital to mitigate its water crisis.
"We are here to find the solution. Please see Himachal Pradesh affidavit and status report filed by the Delhi government," senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.
"Why are secretaries not filing the affidavits? Why are ministers filing these affidavits? Himachal says they have released the excess water already. Now, Himachal says they don't have any excess water. Why was the board not informed? Water is coming from Himachal and where is water going to Delhi. So much losses are happening in travel," the bench said.
"What have you done to prevent water wastage coming from all these sources? Have you taken any action or FIR against any tanker mafias? Tanker mafias get water and pipelines are running dry," the bench added.
Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the Delhi government, said there is action, including massive disconnection of water supplies, so that excess water wastage is stopped.
The top court asked the Delhi government to file a report stating action taken for the loss of water. The matter will be taken up on Thursday.
AAP government had moved the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Haryana government to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to the national capital to mitigate its water crisis. The Delhi government stated that Haryana has "reduced" its share to Delhi and due to this, the city's water crisis will not be solved even if Himachal Pradesh releases water.
