The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi has its way in water dispute

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Delhi has its way in water dispute

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

‘The Board did not give permission to close down the canal’

Western Yamuna Canal to remain open: Board
DJB asked to pay money to Haryana for repair work

NEW DELHI: In the fight between the Delhi Jal Board and the Haryana Irrigation Department over closure of Western Yamuna Canal for carrying out repair works, Delhi has emerged victorious.

“Drop the idea”

The Upper Yamuna River Board has in explicit terms asked HID to drop the idea of closing down the canal post-monsoon.

The HID had written to the DJB this past July to make alternative arrangements for procuring water for the city as it planned to shut down the canal for 15 days to carry out repair and de-silting work.

While the UYRB had already written to the HID directing it not to close the canal, it reiterated its decision at a meeting on Monday. The UYRB asked Haryana to “strengthen the canal, instead of closing it”.

“The Board did not give permission to close down the canal, as it plays a vital role in carrying drinking water to Delhi. It has, however, accepted Haryana’s plea that the canal needs repair and de-silting,” sources said.

The HID had made a presentation to the Board highlighting the deplorable condition of the canal, “which has berm formations, silting and damaged lining.”

Taking note of the details provided by the HID, the UYRB has also asked the DJB to release the money it had guaranteed towards the repair of the canal.

“The DJB had agreed to pay Rs.10 crore to Haryana for maintenance of the canal. But the money is yet to be released. When the HID raised the issue, the DJB withheld the money on the ground that Haryana should first release 125 cusecs of water for the Nangloi Plant from the supply that is being released from the Bhakra Beas Management Board,” sources said. “However the UYRB is not convinced by the DJB’s reasoning and has asked it to release the money for the maintenance of the canal,” sources added.

Damage

The Western Yamuna Canal, which carries water for Delhi, has been heavily silted and damaged at several places.

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