NEW DELHI: The Munak Canal has missed yet another deadline. Delhi's hopes of getting water from the canal before the Commonwealth Game seem bleak as Haryana has thwarted the plans by refusing to complete the construction of the canal and seeking more money. Haryana, which is responsible for the construction of the canal that has so far cost Delhi Rs. 350 crore, has upped its demand for money and asked for an additional Rs.160 crore on account of overruns.
According to Delhi Government sources, only half a kilometre of the canal remains to be completed but Haryana has pulled back from the work demanding immediate release of Rs. 160 crore. The canal was expected to be ready for use by the end of June. “The Delhi Government and the departments concerned have already assured Haryana that whatever money is due to them on account of overruns will be paid. The memorandum of understanding that has been signed between the two States over the construction of the canal clearly mentions that costs escalations will have to be borne. But what they have come up with is a hefty amount and there are concerns that Delhi has conveyed already,” said sources.
With Haryana digging its heels in and refusing to complete the construction work, Delhi has been left in a quandary.
“Delhi wants Haryana to complete the work first and money issues can be solved subsequently. Of the 102 km only 500 metres is left and the work has been dragging on for years. Delhi was banking on the completion of the project ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” the sources said.
Only 20 km of the total of 102 km of the canal fall in Delhi's area, and the portion of the canal that falls in Haryana has already been in use for the past couple of years. “The canal was initially supposed to be ready in 2009, then it got deferred to June 2010. If Haryana were to comply, the canal can get ready before the Games,” the sources said.
Delhi is already engaged in hectic parleying with Haryana over release of an additional 80 MGD of water through the canal. While Haryana has agreed to release the additional quantum for the tenure of the Games, Delhi wants it to continue releasing the additional amount as was decided earlier.
“After there was no headway following several meetings between the Chief Secretaries of both the States, the issue has been raised with the Prime Minister's Office and the Union Ministry of Water Resources as well. A decision on the stalemate is expected soon,” the sources said.
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