As Delhiites suffer acute water crisis and political parties indulge in slugfest over the issue, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday expressed “anguish” and accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Government and its Ministers of turning the water crisis into an ‘opportunity' to blame neighbouring States.

“The shrill discourse of the Ministers of the GNCTD over the last few weeks, has been distressing and questionable at various levels.

“Drinking water supply has become a challenge in the national Capital. Political leaders of Delhi have turned a crisis into an opportunity for blaming neighbouring States, with the sole aim of gaining political mileage,” said Saxena, adding even as Haryana and the Delhi Jal Board itself reiterated day after day that all treatment plants were producing water, beyond their installed capacity, the AAP Government moved the SC against Haryana on May 30, 2024, only to be snubbed again with  an advice by the court to request for Haryana’s help.

Making these assertions, Saxena said drinking water supply has become a challenge in the national Capital in the backdrop of a searing heat wave, which has gripped northern India.

The States are obliged to release water as per agreements signed under this framework, he said in a statement on water crisis.

“At the same time, the city Government is under an obligation to ensure that this water resource is used efficiently to ensure equitable supplies across the city.

“Unfortunately, neither has the city Government, demonstrated seriousness in ensuring improvement in water networks and augmentation of capacity, nor has it chosen a path of dialogue,” the LG said.

The Lieutenant-Governor's statement comes amid a heated war of words between the Governments of Delhi and Haryana over the acute water crisis in the Capital.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi is on indefinite fast to press the demand for additional water from the BJP ruled State Haryana. Atishi has claimed Haryana was releasing 100 MGD less water in Yamuna for Delhi since last two weeks, affecting 28 lakh people in the city.

The LG said the AAP Government resorts to litigation against him as well as the Central Government and other States and even its own departments.

Nearly 20 such cases have been filed by the AAP Government in HC and SC.