Chandigarh, August 5 – A crucial meeting on the inter-state water issue was held under the Chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister, Sh. C.R. Patil on Tuesday at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting was attended by the Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab Chief Minister, Sh. Bhagwant Mann and was conducted in a cordial and constructive atmosphere.
Later speaking to the media persons, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a significant step forward was made during the meeting on the ongoing dialogue over water sharing between Haryana and Punjab. The talks were held in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere, he said.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the issue has been under discussion for a long time, and earlier deliberations held on July 9 had already indicated a positive shift. This time, we have moved a step further. The discussions were held in an even more constructive environment, he said.
The Chief Minister assured that Haryana will present its case in a positive and solution-oriented manner before the Supreme Court on August 13. We are confident that a fair and favourable resolution will be achieved, he added.
In response to a question, the Chief Minister said that the Indus Waters Treaty is a separate subject, and under that context, Rajasthan will also be entitled to its share of water.
Union Secretary, Ms.Debashree Mukherjee, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, along with several senior officers from the department also attended the meeting.
