Remarks on Yamuna made in public interest, Arvind Kejriwal tells poll panel

In his reply to the Election Commission's notice, Arvind Kejriwal said the statements about the poor water quality of Yamuna water were made to "highlight the severe toxicity and contamination of raw water received from Haryana."

In Short

• Arvind Kejriwal defends his 'poisoned Yamuna' remarks
• Points to Delhi Jal Board letter on high ammonia levels
• Asserts remarks are protected by freedom of speech

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that the remarks he made on the quality of Yamuna water were aimed at highlighting a "legitimate civic concern". Kejriwal made the statement while responding to the Election Commission's notice seeking proof of his claims that Haryana was mixing "poison" into the Yamuna to disrupt water supply to Delhi.

The AAP chief said that the remarks were made "in the contest of an urgent and alarming public health crisis concerning the deteriorating quality of drinking water in Delhi".

Kejriwal pointed out that Delhi depends on raw water supplies from Haryana. He said the statements made about the poor water quality was done to "highlight the severe toxicity and contamination of raw water received from Haryana."

He said that the raw water received from Haryana is highly contaminated and poisonous and the "contamination are so extreme that the Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in Delhi are unable to process it to bring it within safe limits".

"Such toxic water if is allowed to be consumed by human population the same would lead to grave health hazard and fatality," the AAP chief said.

Arvind Kejriwal contended that his remarks can't be termed as "inciting enmity between different groups or prejudicial to national integration".

He further pointed out that his statements on Yamuna water was based on the letter issued by CEO of Delhi Jal Board on January 27.

"The letter itself admits that the levels of ammonia in the water coming to Delhi from Haryana has increased manifold, in as much as, it has reached to the level of 6.5-7 ppm," Arvind Kejriwal said.

He further pointed out the portion of Delhi Jal Board CEO's letter wherein it mentioned that the "ammonia increases in river Yamuna due to mixing of some untreated sewage or industrial waste at the upstream of Wazirabad Barrage".

In his response to the Election Commission, Arvind Kejriwal pointed out the health risks due to excessive ammonia levels in drinking water.

He contended that his remarks did not violate the Code of Conduct. "The statements made are fully protected under the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression," Arvind Kejriwal told poll panel.

He added, "It is impermissible, both legally and constitutionally, to criminalise the act of highlighting governmental lapses in ensuring the availability of safe water for the residents of Delhi."

ABOUT THE ROW

Addressing an election rally on January 27, Arvind Kejriwal raised the issue of the poor quality of water that was being provided to Delhi by Haryana.

“Nothing is a bigger sin than depriving people of water. The BJP is trying to leave the people of Delhi thirsty for its dirty politics. They are mixing poison in the water being sent from Haryana,” Arvind Kejriwal said.

He added, "This contaminated water is so toxic that it cannot be treated by the water treatment plants present in Delhi. The BJP wants to commit mass murder of Delhi residents. We will not let this happen.”

The remark drew a sharp reaction from BJP and Congress, who questioned the veracity of his claims.

Election Commission then issued a notice to Arvind Kejriwal and asked him to provide factual evidences to back his statements. He was given a deadline till 8 pm on Wednesday.

Arvind Kejriwal filed a response and cited Delhi Jal Board CEO’s letter to back his claims and said that the remarks were made to highlight a civic issue.