Haryana Refutes AAP’s Claims of Polluted Water Supply Amid Escalating Political Row

GG News Bureau
New Delhi/Chandigarh, 28th Jan.  The Haryana government has strongly refuted allegations made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that it is deliberately releasing ammonia-laden water into Delhi’s water supply. Haryana Water Department Chief Engineer Sandeep Taneja dismissed the accusations as “baseless” in an exclusive interview with India Today TV.

“No untreated ammonia-mixed water is being released by Haryana. Delhi can only treat 1 ppm (part per million) of ammonia. Why can’t they increase their treatment capacity like Agra, which handles up to 24 ppm due to pollution from their leather industry?” Taneja questioned, urging Delhi to upgrade its water treatment facilities.

Haryana’s Clarification

Providing technical details, Taneja explained the pipeline flow. “The flow from diversion drain no. 8 has been redirected into abandoned drain no. 6, which connects to the Bakner drain. The Bakner drain flows into supplementary drain no. 2, which ultimately empties into the Yamuna downstream of the Wazirabad Barrage. This ensures no polluted water mixes into the natural Yamuna flow upstream of Wazirabad, where Delhi sources its water,” he clarified.

AAP’s Allegations

The row began when AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged that ammonia levels in water supplied by Haryana had increased dramatically, accusing the BJP-led Haryana government of polluting the Yamuna River to disrupt Delhi’s water supply ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

Kejriwal went as far as accusing Haryana of mixing “poison” into the Yamuna water, claiming it was a deliberate attempt to harm Delhi residents and derail AAP’s governance.

Haryana’s Response and Defamation Threat

In a sharp response, the Haryana government not only denied the allegations but also accused the AAP government of polluting the Yamuna themselves. Sources in the BJP have confirmed plans to file a defamation suit against Kejriwal over his remarks. Furthermore, the BJP is preparing to lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing AAP of making politically motivated and false claims.

Election Commission Steps In

In light of the allegations, the Election Commission has directed the Haryana government to submit a detailed factual report by noon on January 28. The report is expected to clarify the sequence of events and water quality data to address the controversy.

The ongoing blame game has escalated tensions between the AAP and BJP governments, turning water supply issues into a major political flashpoint ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. While AAP positions itself as the protector of Delhi’s residents, Haryana has countered by highlighting Delhi’s inadequate water treatment infrastructure.

As both sides await the Election Commission’s findings, residents of Delhi remain concerned about water safety and the potential impact of the political spat on essential services.