New Delhi, 16th May 2008
Today Chief Minister of Delhi Shiela Dixit has expressed her inability to ensure minimum basic requirement of life to the people of this city saying only God can solve the misery of people of this city. Smt Dixit has went on record (NDTV has clippings) saying that water crisis of the city can end only if God give us one more river in the city.
"Youth for Justice" condemns this irresponsible statement by her and we held her administration responsible for the current crisis situation.
On one hand Smt. Dixit is praying God to provide us with one more river and on other one just need to have a look at the current state of river Yamuna and one can imagine where it is in Govt.'s priority list.
On one hand CM's statement makes it clear that city's water security completely depends on the only river in the city i.e. Yamuna. and on other Govt is not only aiming to commercialise the complete flood plain but has already concretized the biggest underground water reservoir available to us as river bed of Yamuna. Open destruction of Yamuna flood plain which recharges the ground water for the city has become the order of the day. It clearly validates our fear of Delhi becoming "water stressed" in near future.
Rs. 1400 crores has washed through the drains in name of Yamuna Action Plan I and II. Nobody is made accountable for that. Why is she praying for another river? so that another 1400 crores can be washed away!!!
Her statement of today becomes more important as it makes clear that Govt. has no water available to meet the present water need of the city. We thus questions the planning of further expansion of the city ( Govt. has planned 5 more mega cities, several hotels, malls etc. in coming years). Where the water for all these new resource intensive structures will come from?
Smt. Dixit is a well educated, experienced politician and at this point in time we appeal to her conscience. She should take some time out to reflect on current water crisis and her inability to meet minimum basic requirement of life i.e. quality drinking water to all. We request her to do a self analysis and decide whether she still has mandate to continue as Chief Minister of this City.
Here we would also like to add that this City still has sufficient water resources to meet existing water demand on its own, only thing required is to preserve, conserve and maintain all these natural sources in their natural form. Yamuna river and Ridge area has sufficient water for the city if used wisely. we need to conserve these resources, to stop any encroachments ( both private and Govt.) on the same and to free these from all such existing encroachments. We appeal all to save Yamuna. remember If RIVER DIES, WE DIE!!
- YOUTH FOR JUSTICE
