CHANDIGARGH: The implementation of the Punjab accord has run into rough weather as the Mathew Commission has failed to determine the Hindi speaking areas of Punjab to be transferred to Haryana in lieu of Chandigarh. According to official sources the Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, is committed to the accord and its actual implementation, These sources said fresh steps are being charted out to ensure simultaneous transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab and few villages to Haryana as stipulated in Rajiv-Longowal Accord, but according to political circles in Chandigarh the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab has been postponed for a few months if not for a year because the Center is keen to link the implementation of the accord particularly the transfer of Chandigarh to the construction of S.Y.L, Canal.

Any other indication provided by government of India and other spokesman appears to be smokescreen to hide the reality, Meanwhile the government of India has appointed a tribunal headed by Mr, Justice Bal Krishna Aadhi, a sitting judge of Supreme Court to ascertain the claims of Punjab and Haryana to Ravi Beas waters,

While the exact details of the ‘ordinance providing for the appointment of the tribunal have not been received, it is believed that the ordinance amounts to a new act which will deal solely with Punjab River waters as distinct from the existing Interstate River ‘Water Disputes Act which is applicable all over the country.

The promulgation of an ordinance providing for the new enactment on the Punjab Rivers is a serious blow to Punjab interests. For the first time Punjab Rivers will be subjected to a distinctly new law while the other rivers in the country are governed by the law that ensures and guarantees the rights of the Riparian State. In case of Punjab, no such guarantee is provided in the new Tribunal. It may be recalled that the Akali Dal has already wanted Punjab to be treated at par with other states in respect of Hydro Electric Policy of the Government of India in terms of the Indian Constitution.

Article extracted from this publication >> January 31, 1986