The Hindu : Other States / Haryana News : SYL canal will be completed: Chautala

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Thursday, Jul 08, 2004

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SYL canal will be completed: Chautala

By Our Special Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, JULY 7. The Haryana Chief Minister and Indian National Lok Dal chief, Om Prakash Chautala, today asserted that the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal would be constructed in the Punjab territory as its construction work had been handed over to the Central Public Works Department by the Central Government on July 2 as per the orders of the Supreme Court.

Mr.Chautala was talking to media persons after inaugurating a drinking water augmentation scheme at Balana village in Ambala district.

Terming SYL as the lifeline of Haryana, he said that on completion of the canal, the State would be able to get its full share of Ravi-Beas waters, which would solve not only the water problems, but power problem as well during the paddy season. He reiterated that his Government was committed to provide sufficient water and power to the farmers. However, the problems of farmers were aggravated by natural calamities, he added.

He said that the current power shortage in the State was a temporary phenomenon that was caused mainly because of delayed monsoon. The power demand had suddenly increased manifold as compared to the corresponding period last year. Power generation by the Nathpa-Jakhri project was affected due to heavy rains in the catchment areas of the Sutlej, which brought silt in large quantities, resulting in closure of the machinery of this project.

He reiterated his stand that the post of Governor should be abolished as it was a burden on the public and the State Government could function smoothly even without this office adding that Governors did nothing, but administer oaths, which could be done by the Chief Justice of the High Court. He pointed out that an amendment in the Constitution was necessary for this purpose and the elected representatives of the people should take initiative in this regard.

Speaking at Pehowa, he criticised the Opposition parties for trying to get political mileage by inciting the people to adopt an agitational path by blocking roads and misbehaving with the officials of the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam in view of the prevailing power situation in the State.

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