The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Haryana government to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Delhi following the damage caused to Munak canal during the recent Jat agitation in the state.
A bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice Uday Lalit, while disposing of the writ petition filed by Delhi Jal Board, asked the Delhi government to extend cooperation to Haryana in a spirit of conciliation. It gave liberty to the parties to approach court again if there was any problem in future.
Appearing for Haryana, additional advocate general Anil Grover filed a status report and said that the repair work had begun but it would take 15 days to restore the canal to its original position. He said around 500 cusecs of water a day had already been released. He said if the DJB also deployed its machinery and man power the repair/restoration work can be speeded up.
Arguing for the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), senior advocate Guru Krishna Kumar disputed Haryana’s contention and maintained that the city was not even getting 50 per cent of its entitlement. He wanted the Army to remain there till full water supply is restored. The CJI made it clear that the Army cannot remain there for ever as in any situation like flood or agitation it has extended its help. Mr Grover said limited water supply could be due to seepage in the canal, not because of short supply in the release.
The bench pointed out that the two states were working together for restoring the canal to its original shape and advised them to maintain the spirit of cooperation to resolve their differences amicably.
The DJB had said there are two channels that carry Yamuna water to Delhi from Munak Canal (700 cusecs) and Delhi sub branch (350 cusecs) per day. The seven water treatment plants have been shut down due to cut in water supply. It sought urgent orders for restoration of water supply.
