Delhi Jal Board CEO denies AAP's poison allegations, calls them misleading amid growing tensions over Yamuna water quality

New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions regarding the water quality of the Yamuna River, Delhi Jal Board CEO Shilpa Shinde has firmly rejected claims made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal. On Monday, Kejriwal accused the Haryana government of releasing "poison" into the river, a statement that Shinde labeled as “factually incorrect, without basis, and misleading.” In a letter addressed to Delhi's chief secretary Dharmendra, Shinde emphasized the potential risks such allegations pose to both interstate relations and public trust.

Kejriwal's Serious Accusations

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal likened the actions of the BJP-led Haryana government to “biological warfare,” asserting that it could lead to mass casualties in Delhi. He alleged that Haryana was polluting the raw water supply destined for the capital. This statement was echoed by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, who accused Haryana of intentionally discharging industrial waste into the Yamuna.

DJB's Monitoring and Response

In her letter, Shinde reassured that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) consistently monitors water quality and adjusts its treatment processes accordingly. She noted that during winter months, ammonia levels in the Yamuna naturally rise due to decreased water flow and the influx of untreated sewage or industrial waste from upstream sources. The DJB's treatment facilities are equipped to manage ammonia levels up to 1 ppm, and even higher concentrations—currently reaching 6.5 ppm—through dilution with water from other channels.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

Shinde pointed out that reduced water flow during winter exacerbates the effects of untreated sewage upstream. However, she acknowledged that the Haryana government has begun to tackle this issue by installing pipelines in compliance with directives from the National Green Tribunal.

Impact on Interstate Relations

Shinde urged the chief secretary to escalate these concerns to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, stressing that such “fear-mongering statements” could mislead residents of Delhi and harm relations with Haryana, a crucial upstream state. The chief secretary has since forwarded Shinde's letter to the lieutenant governor, highlighting its implications for interstate relations.

Haryana's Counterclaims

In response, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini dismissed Kejriwal's allegations, accusing the AAP government of deflecting blame for its own shortcomings onto others. The issue of Yamuna's cleanliness and water quality has become a contentious topic in the politically charged environment leading up to Delhi's Assembly elections scheduled for February 5.

As tensions rise over this environmental issue, both state governments are under scrutiny regarding their handling of water quality concerns. With accusations flying between political leaders, it remains to be seen how these claims will impact public perception and interstate relations moving forward.