Delhi is facing an imminent water crisis, exacerbated by the short-sighted policies of its Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. When Kejriwal took office in 2013, the Delhi Jal Board was burdened with a massive debt of approximately Rs 20,000 crore. The logical solution to alleviate this financial strain would have been gradually and responsibly increasing water tariffs. However, Kejriwal opted for a populist approach, announcing free water for Delhi residents. While this move may have garnered short-term popularity, it set the stage for a catastrophic financial crisis.
As Kejriwal continued to provide free water, the DJB’s debt burden ballooned exponentially. By neglecting to address the underlying fiscal challenges, Kejriwal pushed the DJB deeper into debt, with the current debt standing at a staggering Rs 73,000 crore.
केजरीवाल ने दिल्ली को – दलदल बनाया
जल की जगह जलजीरा… बदबूदार जखीरा
इस दलाल ने कर दिया दिल्ली वालों को बदहाल
खुद देखिये और विचार कीजिये ✍️ pic.twitter.com/c5odT3gAL4
— Deepak Sharma (@SonOfBharat7) May 7, 2024
The consequences of Kejriwal’s reckless policies extend beyond the realm of finances. With the DJB drowning in debt, the provision of essential services, particularly access to clean drinking water, is at risk.
The implications of Kejriwal’s mismanagement are far-reaching and profound. Not only has he jeopardised Delhi’s water security and economic stability, but he has also undermined the trust and confidence of the electorate. By prioritising short-term political gains over the long-term welfare of the city, Kejriwal has failed in his duty as a responsible leader.
The Supreme Court, on April 5, asked the Delhi Jal Board to file a reply to the Delhi Government’s plea seeking the release of funds for the board regulating the distribution of drinking water in the national capital.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud directed the implementation of the Delhi Jal Board’s mandate and issued notice to DJB. Meanwhile, the court instructed Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Finance) to fulfil the necessary payments.
Previously, the court had instructed Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Finance) to respond to the Delhi Government’s plea for the release of DJB funds. During the previous hearing, the court was informed by the Delhi Government’s counsel about civil servants not adhering to the Government’s directives. It was also noted that Rs 1,927 crore is yet to be released for the DJB.
