SC verdict in SYL row in favour of Haryana people, says ML Khattar

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court`s verdict in the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal row, wherein it declared the legislation passed by the Punjab Government as null and void, saying it is a positive step for the people of Haryana as they truly deserve this.

"I am very happy. It is a positive step for Haryana. The decision came late, but in the favour of Haryana. I welcome it," Khattar told reporters.

The apex court was to give its verdict on the presidential reference of 2004 on the SYL canal row. The controversy is on sharing of waters by states, including Punjab and Haryana.

The five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court answered in negative on all the questions of president reference if Punjab can enact the law over SYL canal.The Centre will now take over the canal and continue building it.

Meanwhile, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Captain Amarinder Singh has decided t0 resign as MP in protest of the apex court ruling.

Also, all Punjab Congress MLAs have sent their resignations to Captain Amarinder Singh in protest of the apex court verdict.

"It is a very unfortunate decision for Punjab. In this issue, the Centre as well as the Punjab Government has failed to put up the side of Punjab," said Bharat Bhushan deputy CLP leader, Punjab Assembly.

"Punjab Congress MLAs have sent resignations to Amarinder Singh. We will submit to speaker in personal capacity tomorrow," he added.

Other Congress leader Ravneet Singh Bittu told ANI, "Punjab can`t afford to give even a drop of water. The decision taken is against Punjab and in favour of Haryana."

The SYL canal was conceived for the sharing of Ravi and Beas river waters after Haryana was carved out of Punjab in 1966. However, Punjab has been regularly opposing it saying its agriculture will suffer.