Haryana-Delhi Yamuna Water Dispute | 29 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

The Haryana-Delhi dispute over the Yamuna river has once again become a key political issue. Delhi Chief Minister (CM) has accused the Haryana government of contaminating the Yamuna with untreated sewage and industrial waste.  

Key Points 

• Water Contamination Allegations: 
  • Delhi Chief Minister termed Haryana’s actions as "water terrorism" and wrote to the Election Commission, citing a Delhi Jal Board (DJB) report that claimed ammonia levels in the Yamuna had surged beyond treatable limits. 
    • The ammonia levels have steadily increased in the water coming from Haryana to Delhi via River Yamuna due to mixing of untreated sewage or industrial waste from Haryana. 
• Legal and Political History: 
  • The Yamuna water-sharing dispute is a long-standing dispute, ongoing since 1995. 
  • 1994 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): Five states (Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh) signed an MoU in 1994 to regulate Yamuna water distribution. 
  • The Supreme Court had intervened in 1995 and 1996 to ensure Delhi’s water supply from Haryana. Despite multiple petitions and legal battles, the issue remains unresolved. 
    • The Supreme Court has ruled multiple times that Haryana must ensure Delhi’s rightful share of water.  
• Recent Developments: 
  • In 2018, the Supreme Court directed the Chief Secretaries of Delhi and Haryana to resolve water disputes. 
  • In 2021, the Delhi government accused Haryana of withholding Yamuna water, Haryana countered that Delhi’s crisis was due to "internal mismanagement." 
  • In July 2023, floods in Delhi led to fresh accusations, with the Delhi Government claiming Haryana deliberately released excess water from the Hathnikund Barrage. 
  • In June 2024, Delhi CM accused Haryana of "conspiring against Delhi" and launched an indefinite hunger strike, which she ended after five days due to health concerns. 
• Impact on Delhi Residents: 
  • The dispute has led to severe water shortages in Delhi, particularly in summer months. 
  • Elevated ammonia levels pose a threat to public health, complicating water treatment processes. 
• Future Outlook: 
  • The dispute remains unresolved despite legal interventions. 
  • The upcoming elections could further intensify political rhetoric around the issue. 
  • A long-term sustainable solution is needed to address Delhi’s water security concerns.