The Supreme Court Thursday directed Governments of Punjab, Haryana and others to maintain status quo on supply of Yamuna water to Delhi till Friday. The apex court was hearing an application filed by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) which has sought directions to the Haryana Government to cease the discharge of untreated pollutants into the Yamuna and release sufficient water to the national capital.
A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde issued notices to Haryana, Punjab and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and asked them to file their responses on the application by Friday.
Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for DJB, said that water level has fallen in the national capital.
Senior lawyer Shyam Divan, appearing for Haryana, said that full level of water supply has been made.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh, who also appeared in the matter, said that a court commissioner should be appointed to verify the water level. Divan said no application has been filed for the appointment of court commissioner in the matter.
“This is about the fundamental right to water. We will not go into technical issue whether court commissioner can be appointed only after the application. If the need arises, we can appoint it,” said the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian.