The Supreme Court today sought responses from four states on a plea alleging failure of the authorities in taking effective steps to control the pollution level in Yamuna river.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam, issued notices to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand on the plea which also said it was a matter of grave concern that despite the directions of the apex court being issued from time to time, the residents of Delhi are deprived of sufficient clean water for drinking.
The court was hearing an interim application in a pending PIL.
"Since the state of Delhi is the national capital of the country, it tends to absorb migrants from all states.
"Therefore, it must be given priority when it comes to provision of water to its residents. It is also high time that the neighbouring states join hands in this endeavour," the interim application said.
It also said since inception of the case, the focus of the court is to evolve an environment where water is available for all in a sustainable manner i.E. Safe drinking water for basic needs, industry and eco-system.
In this context several orders have been passed by the court some of which contain directions to riparian states to contribute to the minimum flow in the Ganga-Yamuna basin to maintain river ecology, it said.
"It may be appreciated that there is a strong requirement to provide safe water for drinking and sanitation as a pre-emptive need which has to be addressed before water is allocated for other basic domestic needs (including needs of animals), achieving food security, supporting sustenance, agriculture and minimum eco-system needs.
"This court through its orders passed in this matter has recognised the fact that available water should be allocated in a manner to promote its conservation and efficient use. This sentiment had echoed in the National Water Policy 2012," the plea said.
