New Delhi, Nov 02: The water woes of Delhiites is likely to continue as the Supreme Court's May 2000 directive for release of 125 cusecs of additional water from Bhakra Dam remains unimplemented due to breaches in the carrier system coupled with Delhi Jal Board's inability to draw full quota. In an affidavit Central Water Commission (CWC), empowered to monitor implementation of the three-year-old order, informed the apex court that it has told the Bhakra Beas Management Baord (BBMB) to release only 60 cusecs of water instead of 125 cusecs till further orders.

Giving reasons as to why the court orders have not been implemented in its letter and spirit, the commission through Additional Solicitor General Mukul Rohtagi submitted before a bench headed by Justice S Rajednra Babu that supplying full allocation of 125 cusecs would endanger the canal system. "Full allocation of Nangloi water treatment plant of 125 cusecs (ex-Nangal) cannot be restored without endangering the safety of the canal system," the CWC said and added that experts who examined the canal system were of the opinion that it was fit enough to carry only 60 cusecs of water.

While making it loud and clear that both Haryana Irrigation Department and Delhi Jal Board should immediately take repairs of the canal system, the commission said that non-availability of funds have been a major reason for the work not being taken up at the right earnest.

Bureau Report