6 days ago
Haryana explores GYL canal project with UP
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Chandigarh: In a step towards futuristic water resource planning for the National Capital Region (NCR), the Haryana government is exploring the possibility of utilising Ganga river water by constructing the Ganga Yamuna Link (GYL) canal.
The proposed canal aims to meet the region's growing needs for drinking water and irrigation. If all goes according to plan, the state government targets completion of the project by Nov 2031.
According to sources in the chief minister's office (CMO), during preliminary discussions, the Uttar Pradesh govt informally agreed and suggested five options to Haryana. These include channels near Hindon Barrier in Khatauli, Badruddin Nagar, Muradnagar, and Yamunanagar to bring the water flow of Ganga river to mix with the Yamuna.
The committee led by the engineer-in-chief (EIC) will submit its report to the Haryana govt within a month, after which chief minister Nayab Singh Saini will advance discussions with the central and Uttar Pradesh govts on the possibilities of creating the canal.
Notably, the proposal has roots in planning from the announcements made by the then chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in 2002. The real trigger came after the state clashed with Punjab over the water share from Bhakhra Dam in April and May this year.
Additionally, Punjab's refusal to complete the SYL canal, despite the matter being decided in favour of Haryana, is also said to be a reason forcing Haryana to explore new possibilities for water resources.
Haryana is a riparian state, and 80% of irrigation is done through canal and tubewell waters. According to information, a high-level meeting chaired by CM Saini last week directed the intensification of efforts to bring Ganges water to Haryana by laying a link canal connecting the Ganga with Yamuna.
Taking the move ahead, the irrigation and water resources minister, Shruti Choudhary, has constituted a committee headed by EIC Birender Singh to prepare a complete proposal and detailed project report so that the matter could be initiated with the UP govt.
"The govt is serious about this project. It's not just this one; the govt has advanced efforts for tapping rainwater ahead of Hathni Kund barrage by building a dam.
Additionally, work for Keshau Dam is also in progress," a senior official said.
Meanwhile, amidst the stand taken by Punjab of not having sufficient water, another round of chief ministers' level meeting between Punjab and Haryana on the issue of SYL is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Wednesday. Interacting with media persons, Haryana CM Saini was hopeful of a positive response during the meeting from his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Maan.
