Chandigarh, Jan 19 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda Tuesday accused the neighbouring state of Punjab of depriving Haryana of its share of water.
“Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has already said that he would not give a single drop of water to Haryana. But we will try our best not to allow anybody to deprive our people of their rights,” said Hooda, while talking to reporters here Tuesday.

He added: “It is strange that in Punjab they spoke against the interest of Haryana but now they are requesting Haryana voters to support INLD candidate in the Ellenabad by-election.”

Hooda said that Akali leaders should understand that electors of Haryana were aware about their interests and only the Congress party could accelerate the pace of development in the state.

“With a view to ensure equal distribution of water, a number of canals were being constructed by the state government, so that water could reach all across the state,” Hooda said.

There is a long pending dispute of Satluj-Yamuna-Link (SYL) canal, between Punjab and Haryana for the last three decades. Punjab is opposed to the construction of this main canal, which is to supply water in various canals built in Haryana.

Haryana has to depend on other states for its water requirements as there is no major river other than Yamuna passing through this state largely farming state.