Dignity pleads with Mr. Barnala not to permit the S.Y.L. canal to be dug without adjudication of the water issue; Haryana has no right to Punjab river water. It has no argument to advance. The only argument it is likely to have is that since S.Y.L canal has been built, therefore Haryanal should be given water. Chandigarh should not be allowed to be linked with S.Y.L, canal, the canal should be linked only with the decision of the proposed tribunal if it is constitutionally possible to set up.
If the Centre does not accept any argument then the accord should be allowed to be scrapped. It will be in Punjab’s interest to do so, Let a balance sheet of the relative values of water and Chandigarh be drawn up to see whether Punjab stands to gain possessing Chandigarh and giving away water. Dignity firmly believes that Punjab stands to lose and lose heavily.
Haryana had virtually given up SY.L, canal at one stage. We say this on the basis of our knowledge of Haryana Governments internal proceedings, Haryana knew people of Punjab would not allow the canal to be dug. That is why it was thinking in terms of upgrading the Bhakra Mainline Canal. It is Delhi which is hell bent upon forcing Haryana to fight against Punjab. Delhi is more conscious about serving the “Hindu interests”. Delhi is acting through certain top officers of Punjab, The Barnala Ministry must be cautious about these officers,
(Courtesy Dignity Chandigarh)
Article extracted from this publication >> January 17, 1986
