Stating that Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s remarks on providing water to Delhi were “irresponsible”, the Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday pointed out that his State was legally bound to release 80 million gallons of water for the Capital every day.
In a statement issued here, the AAP said it appeared that Mr. Khattar was unaware of the fact that Haryana is legally bound to release 80 million gallons of water into the Munak Canal for Delhi everyday, according to the MoU signed between the two States in 1993.
“Mr. Khattar’s irresponsible statement on Saturday that his government cannot release water for Delhi and would be able to do so only if other neighbouring States also help, clearly shows he still does not know about the legal obligations of his State government,” the party said. “Haryana CM’s attempts to shift the onus on the Central government is misplaced, since the release of water can no longer be postponed and the BJP attempts to complicate the issue will be strongly rebuffed,” the statement said.
The Haryana Chief Minister had on Saturday said he would approach the Centre to find ways to resolve water scarcity in Delhi and Haryana. Water from the Munak Canal is expected to be supplied to the water treatment plants which cater to the residential areas of West and South Delhi. It also said the Delhi government has spent Rs.400 crore on the construction of Munak Canal over the last two decades and any attempt to scuttle water supply for the National Capital will be resisted.
(With inputs from PTI)
