Rise above petty interests: L-G writes to Atishi

Hours after AAP national convener accused the Haryana Government of supplying “poisonous” water to Delhi through the Yamuna, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena, in a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, today criticised the remarks, calling these “false, baseless, and provocative statements”.

The controversy began when former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the Haryana Government of “poisoning Yamuna river” and attempting “mass genocide in Delhi”.

The L-G termed Kejriwal’s remarks as “extremely objectionable, unfortunate and undesirable”. “Such blatant lies not only create confusion and fear among the people of Delhi but can also foster animosity between two neighbouring states,” the L-G stated.

Saxena urged CM Atishi to condemn these statements instead of supporting them.

He further expressed concerns over the potential repercussions of such accusations, stating, “As a responsible citizen of India, you will agree that such false, baseless, irresponsible and provocative statements by one government against another are unacceptable in a democracy. Such actions can lead to serious law and order challenges for both states.”

The L-G also highlighted that despite the Delhi Jal Board being under the direct purview of the Delhi Government, its recent report contradicted Kejriwal and Atishi’s allegations. Citing the report, Saxena said the ammonia level in the Yamuna had decreased from 7.5-10 mg/l (milligrams per litre) on December 31, 2024, to 6.8-7.2 mg/l by January 27, 2025.

He questioned why the Delhi Government remained silent during the period when ammonia levels were at their peak.

“It is beyond comprehension that you remained silent when the ammonia level in the Yamuna was at its highest in December, and now, when the levels have decreased, you are making baseless allegations against Haryana,” the letter read.

Accusing the Delhi Government of negligence, Saxena said over the past decade, neither Atishi nor her predecessor Kejriwal had made meaningful efforts to address recurring issues like ammonia pollution in the Yamuna. Instead, they allegedly engaged in “habitual blame games” to divert attention from their shortcomings.

“Before making such statements, shouldn’t you think about the toxic water of Yamuna that South Haryana and Uttar Pradesh receive after passing through Delhi, whereas the Yamuna water received from North Haryana is many times cleaner till Wazirabad Barrage,” he added.

He urged Atishi to prioritise public welfare and refrain from making provocative statements. “The attempt to provoke the public by making false, misleading and factless allegations like poisoning and genocide is not only a threat to the states, but also to national peace and security,” he stated.

“I hope that as an educated, enlightened and sensitive woman and the Chief Minister of Delhi, you will rise above petty interests and in the interest of public welfare and peace, you will not say such misleading, dangerous and baseless things and will also advise your leader not to do so,” his letter concluded.