HC to UT: Can excess winter water be shifted to Sukhna?

HC to UT: Can excess winter water be shifted to Sukhna?

The Punjab and Haryana high Court today asked the Chandigarh Administration to explain whether the "excess" water which remains unused in the months of December and January can be diverted to Sukhna Lake. The Administration has been asked to respond to the query within 24 hours.

During the resumed hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking amelioration of deteriorating condition of Sukhna Lake, a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Jasbir Singh and Justice R K Jain put this query to the senior standing counsel for Chandigarh Administration, Sanjay Kaushal.

"In the months of December and January the water consumption is less, it (water) can be poured into Sukhna," the Bench orally remarked. The Bench also remarked that nothing much was done with regard to desilting when the High Court had ordered deployment of over 100 people for desilting process.

Showing little conviction in the idea of bringing water from Patiala ki Rao, the Court observed that the "dream" might not bear fruit. Also, the Court asked the Administration to consider diverting storm water to Sukhna Lake instead of diverting it towards the Golf Club. Showing concern over the Sukhna Lake, the Bench remarked that the Court is of the view that directions be issued every year before monsoon for installation of JCBs and for desilting.

Terming it too expensive an exercise, the Punjab government on the last date of hearing had submitted before the High Court that it would not be feasible to bring water from the Patiala ki Rao or Ghaggar river into the Sukhna Lake. The minutes of a meeting jointly held by representatives of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on finding a solution for saving the Sukhna Lake were placed on record before the High Court on the last date of hearing. After having a detailed discussion, the officials opined that it would not be feasible to fetch water from Patiala ki Rao or Ghaggar river.

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