Authorities examining viability of measures to tackle problem: Haryana to HC on PIL not to release excess Yamuna water to Delhi

LE Correspondent

Chandigarh, July 27, 2021: With regard to a Public Interest Litigation pleading that water in excess from the Yamuna river not be released to Delhi, the Haryana government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the authorities are examining the viability of administrative and other measures to tackle the problem.

The petition was filed by one Ashish Chaudhary in public interest praying for a direction to the Haryana government to strictly adhere to the agreement dated 12.05.1994 and consequently not to release water in excess from the Yamuna River to the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Deepak Balyan, Additional Advocate General, Haryana submitted before the High Court that the issues raised by the petitioner are under active consideration of the authorities of the State especially in view of the prevalent water crisis in Haryana.

He submitted that the authorities are examining the viability of administrative and other measures to tackle the problem. Further, the concerned departments of the State are also seized of the issue regarding water supply to the parties to the agreement dated 12.05.1994 and also the excess supply of water to National Capital Territory of Delhi, the State’s counsel said.

He further submitted that the authorities shall consider the aforesaid aspects including examining the issue of approaching the Upper Yamuna River Board, if so required, for enforcement of the agreement.

The bench of Chief Justice Ravi Shanker Jha and Justice Arun Palli stated that in view of the aforesaid statement made by the State counsel on instructions from the authorities concerned, the petition is disposed of. The Bench directed the authorities to examine and take appropriate steps on the representation dated 06.03.2021 of the petitioner as well as all other necessary steps required to be taken by them in accordance with the law.