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The Supreme Court of India has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release 137 cusecs of surplus water to Delhi, which is facing a severe water crisis.
The order came in response to a petition filed by the Delhi government, which accused Haryana of not releasing its share of water.
The vacation bench of Justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan noted that the Himachal Pradesh government has no objection to releasing the surplus water.
The bench also directed the Haryana government to facilitate the flow of surplus water released by Himachal Pradesh so that it reaches the national capital.
Delhi Water Minister Atishi welcomed the Supreme Court order, terming it a "victory" for the people of the city.
She said the order marks a victory for the people of Delhi and their right to water.
The national capital has been grappling with a water crisis, with the Delhi government accusing Haryana of not releasing its share of water.
Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that Haryana was providing less water to Delhi.
He said the Delhi government had to approach the Supreme Court after the Haryana government refused to provide a path for the water to reach Delhi.
The Delhi BJP chief accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of "lying" over the release of water from Haryana and demanded an apology.
He said the BJP had been asking the Delhi government to seek excess water from Himachal Pradesh but it did not listen.
The Supreme Court order is a major relief for the people of Delhi, who have been facing a severe water crisis for the past few weeks.
Source: A victory for people: Atishi on SC order asking HP to release water to Delhi