Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday defended his controversial statement about “poison in Yamuna waters” while responding to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s warning of legal action. Kejriwal accused Saini of playing politics over water and vowed to prioritize the health and safety of Delhi residents.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said, “Saini Sahab, don’t do politics on water. Don’t try to scare us with threats of legal cases. I will not let Delhiites die. Tell your party to stop dirty politics.”
Kejriwal’s Claims On Yamuna Water
Kejriwal cited a letter from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), claiming that the water reaching Delhi from Haryana contained ammonia, a substance he described as a “poison.”
“The CEO of Delhi Jal Board confirmed yesterday that the water coming to Delhi is laced with a poison called ammonia,” Kejriwal alleged.
The Delhi Jal Board, however, issued a clarification, stating that ammonia levels in Yamuna naturally rise during winter due to reduced water flow and the mixing of untreated sewage and industrial waste upstream. DJB CEO Shilpa Shinde called Kejriwal’s remarks “factually incorrect, without basis, and misleading.”
Haryana CM’s Response
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, in a statement to ANI, dismissed Kejriwal’s allegations as baseless and demanded an apology. “Kejriwal should immediately apologize to the people of Haryana and Delhi for his statement, otherwise we will file a defamation suit against him,” Saini said.
He questioned Kejriwal’s claim, asking, “On which day did Delhi Jal Board engineers find the water poisoned? How did they conclude that it was poisoned?”
The DJB Clarification
The Delhi Jal Board explained that its water treatment plants are equipped to handle ammonia levels up to 1 ppm and even higher concentrations, such as 6.5 ppm, through dilution with water from the Carrier Lined Channel and Delhi Sub-Branch. The letter emphasized that ammonia levels typically rise in winter due to natural factors and upstream pollution.
Political Tensions Amid Pollution Concerns
The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions between Delhi and Haryana over water supply and pollution in the Yamuna River. As accusations fly, the focus remains on addressing water quality concerns while ensuring reliable and safe water supply to Delhi residents.
