Pursue canal issue in apex court, Haryana asks central government
March 11th, 2011 - 9:38 pm ICT by IANSChandigarh, March 11 (IANS) The controversy over water sharing between Haryana and Punjab through the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal is all set to be revived with the Haryana assembly Friday unanimously passing a resolution requesting the central government to pursue the matter in the Supreme Court.
The resolution sought an early decision by the central government on the presidential reference to the issue of SYL canal.
The resolution, moved by Irrigation and Finance Minister Ajay Yadav was passed unanimously by the state assembly here Friday in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and the Leader of Opposition Om Parkash Chautala.
“That SYL Canal is a crucial link for bringing Haryana’s allocated share of Ravi-Beas water to satisfy the irrigation and allied needs of large parts of Haryana. In fact, it is the lifeline for Haryana. Punjab Termination of Agreement Act, 2004 passed by Punjab Legislative Assembly is unconstitutional. It resulted in stalling of the completion of the SYL Canal. We are thankful to the Government of India for making a Presidential Reference No.1 of 2004 on 22nd July, 2004 to adjudicate upon the validity of the Act,” the resolution said.
The resolution by the Haryana assembly is significant because the Punjab assembly had, in July 2004, passed the Punjab Termination of (Water) Agreement Act, 2004, nullifying all water pacts of the state (Punjab) with neighbouring states.
Through another resolution passed unanimously, the assembly said that all necessary steps be taken to make BML (Bhakra main line)-Hansi-Butana channel functional.
This resolution is also significant because Punjab has objected to the construction of this channel and refused to provide more water to Haryana for this canal. The matter is presently before the Supreme Court for adjudication.
The Hansi-Butana channel, which will bring water to 18 districts in Haryana, has been completed at a cost of Rs.392 crore.
There were heated exchanges between the ruling Congress and opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) benches over the Hansi-Butana channel.
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Tags: agreement act, ajay, apex court, central government, chautala, chief minister, early decision, finance minister, government of india, haryana, hooda, leader of opposition, legislative assembly, necessary steps, neighbouring states, pacts, punjab, state assembly, sutlej, water agreement