Atishi Writes to LG Seeking Action against DJB CEO after Quarrel over Water Leaves One Dead in Delhi

Delhi minister Atishi has urged Lt Governor V K Saxena to suspend the CEO of Delhi Jal Board following a woman's death in a water dispute. She urged an independent inquiry into the omissions and commissions of the Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Urban Development Department, and DJB.

New Delhi:Delhi minister Atishi has written to Lt Governor V K Saxena asking him to suspend the CEO of Delhi Jal Board after a woman was killed following a quarrel with her neighbour over taking water from a common tap in Farsh Bazar area in north-east Delhi here.

In the note, Atishi, who also holds the water portfolio, urged Saxena to "institute an independent enquiry into the acts of omission and commission of Chief Secretary, as well as officers of Finance Department, Urban Development Department and DJB".

She claimed their actions have "led to DJB being starved of funds" in the 2023-24 financial year and therefore "unable to execute essential works like installation of borewells".

"For more than a year ... chief minister had given clear directions and a road map for improving water supply in Delhi. "For the last six months, the undersigned gave repeated directions (enclosed) to the CEO of Delhi Jal Board and the Chief Secretary to ensure augmentation of water supply, so that there is no shortage of water when the onset of summer happens.

"However, despite repeated directions, no action has been taken to prevent this water crisis in Delhi," she alleged. Delhi Police on Sunday apprehended a 15-year-old girl for allegedly stabbing her 34-year-old neighbour to death following a dispute over filling water from the common tap, officials said.

"In light of this shocking incident of the death of a woman in Farsh Bazar following violence due to water shortage, Hon'ble LG is requested to immediately suspend the CEO of Delhi Jal Board within 24 hours as this criminal negligence has taken place under his watch.

"Initiate a disciplinary action against all officers both in DJB and other departments of GNCTD responsible for non-augmentation of water supply for summers of 2024," Atishi said.

The actions and inactions of officers of the Delhi government have led to the loss of life in Delhi, she alleged. "Being incharge of Services and Vigilance, swift and strong action must be taken by the Hon'ble LG to give a message to all officers that such negligence will not be tolerated. The people of Delhi will be looking towards the Hon'ble LG for immediate action," she said.

In the last few weeks, many reminders were given to the CEO of DJB and the chief secretary to ensure that the water supply is augmented through tube wells and water tankers, she claimed.

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