‘Factually incorrect, without basis’: Delhi Jal Board CEO dismisses Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘poison in Yamuna’ claim

Referring to the accusations as “factually incorrect, unfounded, and deceptive,” Shilpa Shinde, in a correspondence to Delhi chief secretary Dharmendra, emphasized the potential dangers such statements could present to inter-state relations and public trust.

Earlier in the day, Arvind Kejriwal charged the BJP-led Haryana government with contaminating the raw water supply to Delhi, likening it to “biological warfare” and cautioning it could lead to mass fatalities in the capital. Delhi’s chief minister Atishi, during a previous press conference, accused Haryana of intentionally releasing industrial waste into the Yamuna.  Shinde’s letter stated that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) regularly checks water quality and modifies its treatment methods as required.

“During winter, ammonia levels in the Yamuna naturally increase due to reduced flow and the mixing of untreated sewage or industrial waste upstream. DJB’s water treatment plants are designed to handle ammonia levels up to 1 ppm and even higher concentrations, such as 6.5 ppm at present, through dilution with water from the Carrier Lined Channel and Delhi Sub-Branch,” the letter said.

Shinde noted that the reduced water flow in winter enhances the impact of untreated sewage upstream. Nevertheless, she mentioned that the Haryana government has started tackling the issue, which includes the implementation of pipelines to comply with the directives of the National Green Tribunal.

The CEO of DJB asked the chief secretary to bring the matter to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, highlighting that such “fear-mongering statements” could mislead residents of Delhi and harm relations with Haryana, a key upstream state. The chief secretary has sent Shinde’s note to the lieutenant governor, noting its effect on interstate relations.

Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini also dismissed Kejriwal’s claims, stating that the AAP government often tries to deflect responsibility for its shortcomings onto others. The cleanliness and water quality of the Yamuna have become a divisive topic in the politically charged environment ahead of the February 5 Assembly elections in Delhi.