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In a fervent plea to address an escalating crisis, Delhi’s Water Minister, Atishi, directed a barrage of allegations towards Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, accusing him of withholding crucial funds from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Atishi, while expressing her concern over the purported freeze of funds, warned of an imminent water shortage in the national capital and called upon Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena to intervene urgently.
The Water Minister’s impassioned appeal stemmed from her assertion that the Chief Secretary, in tandem with Finance Secretary Ashish Verma, had allegedly obstructed the release of funds vital for the DJB, responsible for catering to Delhi’s water needs. Atishi went on to demand the immediate suspension of Finance Secretary Ashish Verma, holding him responsible for the freeze on DJB funds since August, purportedly under the directive of the Chief Secretary.
Expressing apprehension about an impending crisis, Atishi voiced concerns about the precarious situation arising from the lack of funds to disburse salaries to DJB employees, hinting at the potential disruption in water supply and sewer maintenance in the city.
In a fervent plea via social media, Atishi highlighted the gravity of the situation, alerting citizens to the looming threat of a severe water supply shortage and sewer maintenance crisis. Her message underscored the urgent need for LG VK Saxena’s intervention to avert the imminent disaster.
Amid this strife, Atishi pointed out a shift in the power dynamics after the GNCTD Amendment Act, asserting that officers now adhere primarily to the directives of the Hon’ble LG who oversees ‘Services’ and ‘Vigilance.’ She emphasized the necessity of LG’s involvement to prevent a potential catastrophe in Delhi.
This fervent plea for intervention comes in the wake of Atishi’s recent submission of a probe report to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, alleging irregularities in land acquisition for the Dwarka expressway. The report implicated Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, alleging undue benefits worth over ₹850 crore to a company linked to his son, purportedly involving “illicit profits.” Atishi’s report urged the suspension of the Chief Secretary and a call for a CBI probe into the matter.
The escalating clash between the Water Minister and the Chief Secretary highlights the deepening fissures within the Delhi government, further exacerbated by the alleged financial blockade jeopardizing essential services and raising concerns about the city’s basic amenities. As the impasse persists, the call for LG’s intervention emerges as a critical measure to avert a potential crisis and restore essential services in the national capital.
