Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused Haryana of intentionally polluting Delhi's water supply. She described the act as "water terrorism," claiming it has caused a public health crisis. Furthermore, she wrote to the Election Commission, urging it to step in and ensure that the upcoming elections in Delhi are not disrupted.

Contaminated Water Supply Disrupts Millions

As a result of Haryana’s alleged actions, water supply to millions in Delhi has been severely impacted. Atishi explained that untreated sewage and industrial waste from Haryana are polluting the Yamuna River, which is a key source of water for Delhi. Consequently, the city’s water treatment plants are struggling to handle the rising contamination levels.

Water Plants Struggle with Toxic Ammonia Levels

According to Atishi, Delhi’s water treatment plants are designed to treat ammonia levels only up to 1 ppm. However, she noted that ammonia levels in water from Haryana have surged to over 7 ppm in the past two days. This, in turn, is 700% beyond the treatable limit. She wrote, *“These toxic levels of ammonia in water coming from Haryana have rendered Delhi's water treatment plants almost incapable of treating the water effectively, resulting in curtailment of water supply by 15 to 20%, i.e., for approximately 34 lakh people of Delhi.”*

Health Risks from Polluted Water

Moreover, Atishi highlighted the potential health hazards posed by the contaminated water. High ammonia levels, she warned, can lead to severe health issues, including kidney damage, respiratory distress, and long-term organ damage.

Haryana’s Actions Called Deliberate

Atishi accused Haryana of deliberately causing this crisis. She argued that the contamination is not accidental but a calculated attempt to sabotage Delhi’s elections. She wrote, *“Despite knowing the toxic effects of releasing ammonia in raw water supply, it is due to the indiscriminate and deliberate dumping of untreated sewage and industrial waste from Haryana that is causing the present water supply crisis in Delhi.”*

Appeal to Election Commission

In light of these developments, Atishi urged the Election Commission to take immediate action. She stressed that Haryana’s actions are not just a public health emergency but also a direct threat to the fairness of the elections. Therefore, she called for urgent measures to resolve the crisis and protect the rights of Delhi’s citizens.