Senior
South Delhi BJP leader and former MLA Dr. Vijay Jolly has strongly objected to
the judicial order issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on May 28, 2025,
banning private water tankers in Delhi with immediate effect. Dr. Jolly
described the order as "unfair, impractical, and against the general
public." He stated that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is unable to supply
adequate water to the capital's 22.3 million citizens, and in such a situation,
private tankers remain the main source of water supply. Dr. Jolly cited
statistics showing that the daily water demand in Delhi is 1,290 MGD (million
gallons per day), while the Jal Board is able to supply only 990 MGD. This huge
shortage of 300 MGD is met by private water tankers, which will now be stopped
due to the NGT order. He said, “The ban on private tankers will not only
increase corruption but will also deprive thousands of people of their
livelihood.” Dr. Jolly said that around 50 lakh poor citizens live in 1,731
unauthorized colonies of Delhi, where there is neither piped water supply nor
regular supply. In these areas, Delhi Jal Board tankers reach only after 3 to 4
days, causing huge inconvenience to the people. Although he appreciated the
recently launched 1,111 GPS-enabled water tanker scheme by Delhi Jal Board, he
said that this scheme is insufficient to bridge the gap between Delhi's actual
demand and supply. Dr. Jolly said, “Private water tankers are Delhi's
lifeline—they not only quench the thirst of the rich and the poor, but also
play a vital role in construction work and public needs.” He urged the Delhi
government to take immediate cognizance of the matter, reconsider the NGT
order, and ensure alternative arrangements so that the public can get relief
from the water crisis. Dr. Vijay Jolly's stance sends the message that a true
public servant is one who stands up for the basic needs of the people. The
struggle will continue until clean water reaches every home—because “water is
life, and there is no order greater than life.”
