Delhi Government Defends Against Supreme Court Criticism Over Tanker Mafia

The Delhi government defended itself after the Supreme Court criticized its handling of the water crisis, claiming the tanker mafia operates on Haryana's side of the Yamuna river. The government reported efforts to replace private tankers with public ones and reduce water loss from 30% to 5% during transmission.

In response to the Supreme Court's harsh criticism, the Delhi government has defended its handling of the ongoing water crisis. It stated that the notorious tanker mafia operates on the Haryana side of the Yamuna river, an area beyond the jurisdiction of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

In a detailed affidavit submitted to the apex court, the Delhi government contended that water tankers remain essential for areas not yet connected to piped water supply or where the supply remains inconsistent. It emphasized that the combined water supplied by the DJB and private tankers amounts to about 5-6 million gallons per day, a mere 0.5% of the city's total water supply.

Highlighting the significant steps it has taken, the government reported a reduction in water loss during transmission from Haryana to Delhi—from 30% to 5%—thanks to significant investments, including spending Rs 500 crore on constructing a Carried Lined Channel (CLC). It also assured daily inspections by DJB officials to prevent misuse and wastage of potable water.

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