Haryana sore over Badal's remark on water issue

Chandigarh, Mar 5 (UNI) The Haryana government has taken strong exception to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal that he would amend the Punjab Termination of Water Agreements Act, 2004 to delete its section 5.

Haryana Irrigation Minister Ajay Singh Yadav today described Mr Badal's move as ''unfortunate, unconstitutional and a political stunt'' as it would deprive Haryana of its due share in Ravi Beas waters.

Talking to reporters, Capt Ajay Singh said Punjab had taken a plea of being a riparian state and Mr Badal was of the view no other State, except Punjab, had the right over the waters flowing through Punjab areas.

He said the Punjab Termination of Water Agreements Act was itself unconstitutional and an encroachment upon the judicial powers vested by the Constitution of India in the Judiciary.

Capt Yadav said Punjab always repeated its old contention that Haryana and Rajasthan were not entitled to surplus Ravi-Beas waters because of being non riparian states. He said the doctrine of riparian rights had been discussed and was rejected internationally while determining rights of states in inter state rivers.

The Minister pointed out the surplus Ravi-Beas waters had been exchanged in lieu of Chenab and Jhelum waters with Pakistan by Government of India by paying Rs 110 crore under Indus Water Treaty in 1960.

He said Haryana being a part of the then Punjab, had full right in Indus River waters on the basis of equity.'' Also, the geographical area of Haryana falls in Indus Basin.'' He said Haryana had been alloted 3.83 MAF surplus Ravi Beas waters by Ravi and Beas Water Tribunal in 1987 which was constituted under the provision of Rajiv Longowal Accord 1985.

UNI