Delhi to face severe water shortage as funds are not released, says Minister Atishi (2024)

Delhi Minister Atishi on Tuesday said there could be a severe water crisis in the national capital since funds have not been released to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The Water Minister requested LG V K Saxena to intervene in the matter. She alleged that despite written directions from her, who also holds the finance portfolio, funds were not released to the Delhi Jal Board.

She underlined that there could be a severe water crisis in the national capital as there are no funds to continue routine work and pay salaries. She claimed that the contractors have refused to carry out work and these circ*mstances could lead to a severe water crisis in Delhi, overflowing sewers and dirty water.

She further alleged that funds were not released by the Finance Department on the directions of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar. However, there was no immediate reaction from the chief secretary’s office or the Finance Department.

Reportedly, the tussle between the finance department and the Delhi Jal Board over the release of funds has been going on for the past few months with the board asking for Rs 1,800 crore more than the allotted budget. However, the finance department has refused to release the money and has asked the board to apply for funds and use the first and second allotments of money.

According to official estimates, around two crore residents of the national capital need approximately 1,300 MGD of water for drinking and daily needs. Nonetheless, the Jal Board can supply only around 1,000 MGD, leaving many areas grappling with a shortage.

Notably, the Delhi Jal Board’s water supply capacity has increased from 850 MGD in 2015 to 1,000 MGD. Furthermore, the government has set an ambitious target to enhance it to a range of 1,200-1,300 MGD.

You may like

Delhi excise policy case: Court summons CM Arvind Kejriwal on March 16 after ED non-compliance complaintDelhi excise policy case: Arvind Kejriwal replies to ED summons, says ready to face virtually after March 12AAP names Lok Sabha candidates for Delhi, Haryana; Somnath Bharti from New DelhiBJP MP Manoj Tiwari reacts to AAP-Congress Alliance, reminds CM Kejriwal of his 2012 jail promisePM Modi launches world’s largest grain storage schemeAAP, Congress finalise Lok Sabha seat sharing in Delhi

Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya, both Tokyo Games medalists, were on Sunday eliminated from the race for the Paris Olympics qualification after losing their respective rounds in the selection trials for the upcoming international tournaments.

Punia suffered a crushing 1-9 defeat in the men’s freestyle 65kg semifinal against Rohit Kumar. Punia was a prominent face of protest against BJP MP and former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers.

This was after he barely managed to win against Ravinder 3-3 on criteria. Punia would have been eliminated in the opening bout itself if Ravinder had not conceded a caution point in the bout.

Soon after being eliminated, Punia left the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre here in a huff. Punia did not even stay back for the third-fourth-place bout. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) officials tried to collect samples for a dope test from Punia but he had already left the place.

According to reports, Punia had trained in Russia to prepare for the trials, which are being organised by the IOA ad-hoc panel. Punia, though, won a case in the Delhi High Court after contending that suspended WFI had no authority to conduct trials.

The 57kg men category, being organised in Nordic format, was always a tough category since both Tokyo Games silver medallist Ravi Dahiya and star-in-making Aman Sehrawat were in contention.

Dahiya, who was making a comeback from an injury, lost the high-scoring opening bout 13-14 to Aman. Both of them train at Chhatarsal Stadium.

Aman has established himself as a prominent athlete by winning medals in almost all tournaments in 2023, during which Dahiya was not competing. Aman, who won bronze at the Asian Games, managed to fend off Dahiya’s last-minute push to secure a close victory.

Unfortunately, Dahiya was ousted after losing the next bout to Udit, the U20 Asian champion. The winners of the trials will be granted the opportunity to participate in the Asian and World Olympic Qualifiers.

Continue Reading

Meanwhile, Shahjahan’s daughter Shabana Yasmin, who was present in the court, said her father is innocent.

Talking to media, Shabana said, her father is innocent. He has been implicated. She is sure the truth will surface at the right time. Let there be a proper investigation in the matter, Yasmin said. However, she refused to give an answer when asked who had implicated her father.

Shahjahan’s lawyer did not make any bail requests on his client’s behalf.

Continue Reading

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the Mahtari Vandan Yojana in Chhattisgarh to provide monetary assistance to women and said the priority of the double-engine government is the welfare of women.

Addressing the event virtually, PM Modi said his government has taken a resolve to make three crore women ‘Lakhpati Didi’ in the country.

PM Modi said, that it is fortunate that today he got an opportunity to dedicate the Mahtari Vandan Yojna, aimed at empowering ‘Nari Shakti’. Under the scheme, the government had promised to giveRs1,000 per month to more than 70 lakh women and today the BJP government has fulfilled it, he added.

The first instalment of Rs655 crore was deposited into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, married women, under the scheme on Sunday, he asserted.

The Prime Minister said that he should have been among the beneficiaries today for this programme, but due to some other engagements, he was in Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi was speaking from Kashi, the land of Baba Vishwanath, adding that he said who is also showering his blessings on them.

When mother and sisters are empowered, then the entire family gets empowered, PM Modi asserted. Therefore, the priority of the double-engine government is the welfare of mothers and sisters, he emphasised.

The Prime Minister also added that BJP has given a guarantee of happiness and prosperity and the Chhattisgarh government led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has started working on it.

Emphasising the importance of family well-being, PM Modi highlighted that the well-being of women plays a key role. The holistic well-being of every family, beginning with women’s health and dignity, is a top priority for PM Modi’s government, he asserted. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of tackling the issues pregnant women face, such as high maternal and infant mortality rates.

Continue Reading