The Supreme Court on Wednesday criticized the Delhi government for its failure to address the 'tanker mafia' and water wastage issues amidst a severe water crisis in the capital. The court demanded that the Delhi government provide an explanation for the steps taken to curb water wastage.

A vacation bench consisting of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that if the Delhi government could not handle the tanker mafia, the Delhi Police would be instructed to take action.

The Supreme Court noted, "The tanker mafia is active in Delhi, and you are not taking any action. If the Delhi government can't manage this, we will ask the Delhi Police to step in."

The bench questioned the Delhi government about false statements regarding water availability from Himachal Pradesh. They inquired, "Why were false statements made before this court? Water is coming from Himachal Pradesh. Then where is the water going in Delhi? There is so much spillage and tanker mafias. What measures have you taken in this regard?"

Referring to media coverage of the Delhi water crisis, the court highlighted the suffering of people and asked what measures had been taken to control water wastage during recurring summer shortages.

The court was hearing a plea from the Delhi government, which sought a directive for Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to alleviate the capital's water crisis.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi stated, "We are here to find a solution. Please review the affidavits and status reports filed by the Delhi government and Himachal Pradesh."

The bench questioned the role of secretaries in filing affidavits and mentioned that Himachal Pradesh claimed to have already released excess water. The court criticized the lack of communication and transparency regarding the water distribution.

The bench pressed further, asking what actions had been taken to prevent water wastage and whether any action had been taken against the tanker mafia. Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the Delhi government, mentioned efforts such as massive disconnections of water supplies to prevent excess wastage.

The Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to file a report detailing the actions taken to address water losses. The matter is set to be reviewed on Thursday.

The AAP government had approached the Supreme Court seeking a directive for Haryana to release surplus water from Himachal Pradesh to mitigate Delhi's water crisis. The Delhi government claimed that Haryana had reduced its water share, worsening the city's water issues despite Himachal Pradesh's efforts.