Public Outrage Over Water Crisis in Chhatarpur: Strong Protest Led by Naresh Tyagi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Reyasat Ali Sameer
Senior Correspondent

New Delhi : 
In South Delhi’s Chhatarpur ward, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held a strong protest under the leadership of former Mehrauli District President and Municipal Councillor Representative Naresh Tyagi against the worsening water crisis. The area echoed with slogans of “Paani Do, Paani Do” (Give us water) as hundreds of local residents participated carrying earthen pots, banners, and placards. The remarkable participation of women gave this protest the form of a mass movement.

Local residents leveled serious allegations against the Delhi Jal Board and the administration. They stated that areas like Chhatarpur Village, Chhatarpur Pahari, Ambedkar Colony, Ramleela Chowk, Chhoti Masjid Gali, and Sultanpur are suffering from a severe shortage of water, disrupting daily life. Protesters said that similar demonstrations had been held earlier at Ramleela Chowk, but no concrete solution was provided.

The demonstrators accused the Delhi Jal Board and local MLA Chaudhary Kartar Singh Tanwar of negligence. They alleged that the arbitrary operations of the tanker mafia and the insufficient water supply have made the situation even worse.

Councillor representative Naresh Tyagi called the water crisis during the festive season “unacceptable” and declared:

“We will fight in every possible way for the interests of the people. This struggle is now linked to the dignity of Chhatarpur. If the water crisis is not resolved soon, the residents will be compelled to launch a massive protest.”

He further informed that senior officials of the Delhi Jal Board attributed the issue to temporary disruptions due to cleaning operations and assured that the water supply would return to normal before Diwali.

During the protest, the Delhi Police asked the organizers for permission documents, to which the organizers clarified that prior notice of the demonstration had already been given. Angry protesters expressed their outrage by symbolically breaking pots and held the Delhi Government responsible for the water crisis.

The protest concluded after assurances from the Jal Board officials. A large number of local residents and AAP workers were present on the occasion. They warned that if a permanent solution to the water crisis is not implemented soon, the agitation will escalate into a full-scale public movement.