High Ammonia Levels in Yamuna Poison Delhi’s Water Supply, Sparks Political Clash
The Yamuna River’s rising ammonia levels have severely impacted Delhi’s water supply. This situation has led to a fresh political dispute amid the ongoing Delhi Assembly elections. Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi has accused Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena of inaction, alleging that the pollution crisis is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the city’s water resources.
Yamuna’s Water Contamination: A Growing Crisis
- Ammonia levels in Yamuna have spiked beyond acceptable limits, rendering the water unsafe for consumption.
- The high toxicity has forced the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to cut water supply, affecting thousands of households.
- The contamination is believed to be caused by untreated industrial waste, sewage discharge, and chemical pollutants from upstream regions.
Atishi vs. LG: Political Accusations Fly
- Delhi Water Minister Atishi has blamed the BJP-led Haryana government for allowing excessive pollutants to flow into the Yamuna.
- She also accused LG V.K. Saxena of ignoring the crisis, calling it a planned attack on Delhi’s water security during elections.
- AAP leaders claim that the pollution is a political move to disrupt public services and create dissatisfaction among voters.
BJP’s Response and Counterclaims
- The BJP has denied all allegations, stating that AAP is using the water crisis as an election strategy.
- The party claims that Delhi’s water treatment mismanagement is to blame, not external pollution sources.
- BJP leaders have demanded that the Delhi government improve water filtration infrastructure rather than shifting blame.
Impact on Residents and Health Risks
- Millions of Delhi residents are facing water shortages, forcing them to rely on tankers and bottled water.
- Experts warn that high ammonia levels can cause serious health issues, including kidney damage and digestive problems.
- Environmentalists have urged immediate measures, such as improving wastewater treatment plants and strict pollution control enforcement.
What Happens Next?
- The Delhi government is seeking urgent intervention from central authorities to regulate upstream pollution.
- The Election Commission may review political allegations, given the ongoing election period.
- If contamination levels do not decrease, further water supply disruptions may follow, worsening the city’s crisis.
With elections approaching, the Yamuna pollution issue has become a major political flashpoint. This situation leaves Delhi residents caught in the middle of a public health emergency. They are also trapped in a political blame game.
