AAP’s Atishi Refutes Claims Linking Delhi Water Crisis to Punjab

By A Staff Reporter

Amid rising tensions over water shortages in the national capital, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi has strongly rebutted claims suggesting Punjab is responsible for the crisis. Responding to remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Parvesh Verma, Atishi stated that such assertions are misleading and not grounded in fact.

“Parvesh Verma has claimed that the water shortage in Delhi is due to Punjab. I hope Parvesh ji is aware that Delhi's water supply comes primarily from the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, neither of which are linked to Punjab,” Atishi posted on X (formerly Twitter). “So Punjab has absolutely nothing to do with the current water crisis in Delhi,” she added.

Delhi has been grappling with a severe water shortage as summer temperatures soar, leading to increased demand and public concern. While political blame games have become more vocal, Atishi’s comments sought to clarify the geographical and hydrological sources of the city's water supply.

According to data from the Delhi Jal Board, the capital’s primary water sources include the Yamuna River—receiving water through Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana—and the Ganga River, routed via Upper Ganga Canal through Uttar Pradesh. Punjab does not contribute directly to either source.