To ensure adequate water and power at the Capital’s various Yamuna ghats during the three-day Chhat Puja this weekend, Delhi’s power and water utilities have pulled out all stops. While the Delhi Jal Board has asked Haryana to release more water, the discoms have decided to set aside their differences with civic agencies over unpaid dues and light up the roads that lead to the ghats.
The water utility has asked the Haryana Administration to release an additional 400 cusec of water down stream of Wazirabad to ensure an adequate flow in the river.
“A letter was sent to Haryana to release additional water during the festival from November 18-20. Haryana had agreed in principle to do so, but we will know if they’ve their word after the water released increase after November 18,” said an official.
The demand for additional water has been made solely for the benefit of the people who celebrate the festival, the official said. “The Board wanted to make sure there is enough water in the river for the convenience of the people who will throng the ghats for prayers and other rituals. Delhi’s overall water situation is good, supply of water from Ganga Canal has also renewed after a long shutdown for annual maintenance,” the official said.
Power distribution company BYPL has also done its bit for the festivities. The company has decided to switch on the streetlights at the popular Wazirabad Yamuna ghat despite unpaid dues of several lakhs.
“Keeping the sentiments and security of lakhs of people in mind, who are expected to visit the Yamuna ghats on occasion of the Chhat Puja, BYPL has decided to switch on the streetlights at the Wazirabad Yamuna ghat despite unpaid dues of several lakhs,” said a company spokesperson.
Since April 2012, the streetlights have not been switched on at the Wazirabad Yamuna ghat. “This is on account of non-payment of dues amounting to Rs.21 lakh to BYPL. These dues initially had to be paid by the Irrigation Department. Recently these streetlights have been transferred to the MCD, along with the dues. Though MCD has assured BYPL of clearing the outstanding dues, it is yet to do so,” the spokesperson said.
The discom claims a meeting has been scheduled with the Mayor of the East MCD to resolve the issue.
