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Delhi Congress to Hold ‘Matka Phod’ Protest Over Water Crisis Today
In response to the escalating water crisis in the national capital, Delhi Congress workers will hold a ‘matka phod’ protest on Saturday, announced party chief Devender Yadav. This demonstration aims to highlight the severe water scarcity plaguing the city, pushing residents, including women, children, and the elderly, to chase water tankers for basic supplies.
Yadav criticised the Delhi government for its inadequate measures to address the water shortage, claiming that 58 per cent of potable water goes to waste due to mismanagement. “People have been complaining about dirty tap water, but the Delhi Jal Board has not taken any action,” Yadav stated. He also highlighted that many areas do not receive water tankers, forcing residents to spend over Rs 100 daily to buy drinking water.
The protest will see participation from thousands of Congress workers, locals, former MPs, ex-MLAs, district and block Congress presidents, municipal councillors, and ex-corporators across all 280 blocks of Delhi from 10 am to 1 pm.
Delhi Water Minister Atishi attributed the declining water production to the reduced water flow into the Yamuna river, blaming BJP-ruled Haryana for not releasing Delhi’s share of water. She provided data showing a steady decrease in water production from 1,002 million gallons per day (MGD) on June 6 to 939 MGD by June 13.
Delhi Government’s Summer Pollution Control Plan To Be In Effect From Today
The Delhi government’s summer action plan to control air pollution is set to commence today, June 15 to September 15. The plan, focusing primarily on tree plantation, aims to tackle various pollution sources with contributions from 30 departments, as per Environment Minister Gopal Rai, PTI reported.
Rai highlighted that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) ranged between ‘moderate’ and ‘poor’ from May 24 to June 12, largely due to dust particles. “There has been significant improvement in Delhi’s pollution levels due to collective efforts,” Rai said, noting a 30 per cent reduction in pollution over the past eight years.
Key components of the summer action plan include anti-dust campaigns, deployment of 580 patrolling teams to monitor construction sites, and the implementation of measures to prevent dust pollution, open burning, and industrial pollution. Additionally, initiatives to increase green cover, develop lakes, and foster dialogue with neighbouring states are planned.
The minister announced that 85 mechanical road sweeping machines and 276 water sprinklers would be deployed to combat dust pollution. To prevent open burning, 573 patrolling teams will be on duty, along with 33 teams monitoring industrial waste.
An e-waste eco park is also in development to manage and reduce e-waste pollution. Awareness campaigns will be run in 2,000 schools and colleges through eco clubs, with a core team of eco club teachers being formed to drive these efforts.