Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), requesting immediate intervention over the rising ammonia levels in the Yamuna River, which she claims are compromising Delhi’s water supply.
In her letter, CM Atishi accused the Haryana government of being responsible for the crisis. She explained, “The Delhi Jal Board’s CEO’s report clearly shows that the DJB Water Treatment Plants are designed to treat ammonia only up to a 1 ppm level.” She further highlighted that ammonia levels have risen significantly, stating, “Ammonia levels in the water coming from Haryana to Delhi via the Yamuna have surged beyond 7 ppm in the last two days—700% higher than the treatable limit. This is due to the mixing of untreated sewage and industrial waste from Haryana.”
Atishi also pointed out that these elevated ammonia levels have made it nearly impossible for Delhi’s water treatment plants to function effectively, resulting in a 15-20% reduction in water supply, impacting around 34 lakh residents. She warned, “High ammonia levels in drinking water pose serious health risks, including kidney damage, respiratory issues, and long-term organ damage.”
Calling the situation “an act of water terrorism,” Atishi accused the Haryana government of deliberately contaminating Delhi’s water supply to influence the upcoming elections. “Despite knowing the harmful effects of releasing ammonia into raw water supplies, the CEO’s report makes it clear that the indiscriminate dumping of untreated waste from Haryana is causing this crisis. This is not negligence, but an intentional act to disrupt the free and fair conduct of Delhi’s elections,” she wrote.
In a post on social media platform X, Atishi shared, “Ammonia levels in Yamuna water, where it enters Delhi from Haryana, are six times above normal—making the water extremely toxic and unfit for treatment. This poses a serious risk to public health.”
She has requested an urgent meeting with the CEC to discuss the issue and ensure that the elections are not compromised by external factors. “I request you to meet with me today regarding this critical issue to ensure that the elections in Delhi are not sabotaged by any external forces,” Atishi wrote.
Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed the allegations from AAP, accusing them of mismanaging water distribution and attempting to shift blame. “It’s in Kejriwal’s nature to make accusations and then avoid responsibility. There’s a saying, ‘thooko aur bhago (spit and run),’ and that’s what Kejriwal does. I’ve asked his chief secretary to meet with mine to check the water quality at Sonipat, where the Yamuna enters Delhi,” Saini said.
