Delhi water crisis: Atishi ends hunger strike after hospitalization
Delhi water minister Atishi on Tuesday ended her hunger strike after her health deteriorated and she was hospitalized, said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh. The party said that Atishi's blood sugar level dropped to 43 units at midnight and 36 units at 3:00am, following which she was taken to Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP). Singh said he will be writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide the national capital with its rightful share of water from Haryana.
Atishi's health worsens amidst hunger strike
Atishi has been on an indefinite hunger strike since Friday demanding Haryana government to release water from Hathnikund barrage so that Delhi can meet its water supply demands. "The issue [Delhi water crisis] will also be raised by AAP and its political allies," Singh said while addressing the media. Meanwhile, the AAP minister was admitted to the emergency ICU at the Lok Nayak Hospital in the national capital.
Delhi government's allegations against Haryana
The Delhi government claims Haryana should supply 613 MGD of raw water per their agreement, but only 513 MGD is being delivered. Delhi faced a water shortfall starting late May, briefly recovering to over 1,000 MGD in early June. However, since June 8, supply fluctuated between 900 and 950 MGD, hitting a season low of 888 MGD on June 21. There has been a slight improvement recently, with the Monday bulletin reporting a supply of 913 MGD.
Haryana claims it is supplying sufficient water per agreeements
Over the past few weeks, Delhi has faced a water supply shortfall primarily due to a raw water shortage exacerbated by heatwave conditions. The city relies on neighboring states for 86.5% of its raw water needs. Haryana claims it is supplying sufficient water per the agreements and suggests Delhi should improve its water management.
