New Delhi

Wastage of water in Delhi may now land you in a hot soup and with a hole in the pocket as the Aam Aadmi Party government here has decided to adopt a heavy-handed approach amidst intense heatwaves and water crisis. Delhi has been experiencing record-breaking heat for the last few days, with the mercury touching 49.9 Celsius on Wednesday (May 29). In the backdrop of the heatwave and acute water crisis, the Delhi government has now decided to impose fines on residents for washing cars or any wastage like letting their tanks overflow. As per media reports, water supply may also be restricted, with areas now receiving water twice a day getting it only once.

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Delhi Water Minister Atishi said Tuesday, "Even today I saw that in many residential areas of South Delhi, water is flowing in the driveways outside people’s houses due to washing of vehicles. My appeal to everyone is that you should not wash vehicles this way. If this public appeal does not work in the next one or two days, it is possible that we may have to impose a challan on excess usage of water. But right now we are issuing this appeal.”

“To address the problem of water scarcity, we have taken a slew of measures such as reducing water supply from twice a day to once a day in many areas… The areas which currently get water twice a day, will get once a day now… the water thus saved will be rationed and supplied to the water-deficient areas where supply lasts only 15 to 20 minutes a day,” Atishi said.

In a tweet, she said, "Have issued directions to crackdown on wastage of water and illegal water connections. 200 teams of Delhi Jal Board will hit the ground. Fines will be imposed on anyone washing cars with pipes or with overflowing water tanks. Illegal water connections at construction sites and at commercial establishments will be disconnected."

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She also directed CEO DJB to deploy 200 teams to check wastage and impose a fine of Rs 2000. 

The minister, meanwhile, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in neighbouring Haryana state of stopping the flow of the Yamuna River into Delhi.

Also read: Delhi water crisis: AAP's Atishi accuses BJP of stopping Yamuna flow, hatching 'water conspiracy'

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"We should stand together and think about everyone…Today, we are in a very difficult situation where water supply to Delhi is being stopped by the Haryana government… Please co-operate and use the water judiciously…,” she said.

She also threatened to approach the Supreme Court of India if "Haryana government does not resolve the issue."

Also read: Man from India`s Delhi dies after taking slide at water park in Noida, probe launched: Report

Delhi is largely dependent on neighbouring states to meet its water demands, with 64 per cent coming from Haryana and the rest from Uttar Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies)