WATER SHARING

In a landmark decision, the SC directed the Punjab government to expeditiously construct the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal to give effect to the Eradi Commission Award on sharing of river water between states. The SC ordered the Union government to take steps to construct the canal if the Punjab government failed to do so. Earlier, Haryana had alleged that it was being deprived of its share of Ravi-Beas waters due to the delay in the canal construction. Although Haryana had constructed 90 per cent of the canal which fell within its territory, the 10 per cent of the canal falling in Punjab was yet to be constructed. The court asked the Punjab government to speed up the canal construction. But the Punjab government intends to file a review petition over the SC order.