Haryana CM to find solution to Delhi's water problem

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar agreed to find a solution to the long-standing water-sharing issue with Delhi after Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu at a meeting Monday urged Khattar and Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung to resolve the matter.

"We shall very shortly take a positive decision in the best interests of the people of Delhi and Haryana," Khattar told reporters here.

Khattar's statement comes close to the heels of his refusal to supply water to Delhi through the Munak canal.

The Delhi government has already paid Rs.600 crore for the canal but is yet to receive its share of 80 MGD (million gallons daily) of water.

"The agreement regarding construction of Munak canal for carrying Delhi's share of water, to save water from leakage, and the contribution made by the Delhi government for its construction was also discussed (in the meeting)," said a statement from the union urban development ministry.

The meeting also discussed allocation of waters of Ravi, Beas and Yamuna rivers and releases to be made to water treatment plants of Delhi, as well as the directions of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court regarding water availability to the capital.

The Munak canal issue has assumed political significance as every summer, the capital faces acute water shortage.

The Delhi BJP has already met Naidu to urge Haryana - now also ruled by the party - to resolve the matter.