Punjab warns Rajasthan to clear Rs 1.44 lakh-crore water dues in 30 days or face legal action
PTC News Desk: The Punjab Government has issued a notice to Rajasthan, asking it to pay Rs 1.44 lakh-crore towards cost and compensation for river water supplied to state. Punjab also warned Rajasthan of initiating legal proceedings if the dues were not cleared within 30 days.
The development comes at the backdrop of a water-sharing agreement signed in Shimla on September 4, 1920, between the rulers of Bikaner, Bahawalpur and Punjab.
Before the Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, Rajasthan used to pay royalty for water received from the Punjab rivers. At that time, Bikaner was charged a cess of Rs 6.50 per acre per year.
Punjab has now calculated the outstanding amount using the current rate of Rs 141.20 per acre per year. The state is claiming royalty for an average supply of 10 million acre feet (MAF) of water, along with 8 per cent interest.
Punjab has also raised bills against Haryana for canal-related expenses. Haryana has been asked to pay Rs 281.78 crore to the Bhakra Main Line Division in Patiala and another Rs 30.80 crore to the Mansa division. According to Punjab, Haryana has not paid for canal maintenance since 2015-16.
The total water allocation from the Bhakra Canal is 12,455 cusecs. Haryana receives the largest share at 63 per cent, or 7,841 cusecs. Punjab gets 25 per cent, or 3,108 cusecs, while Rajasthan receives 7 per cent, Delhi 4 per cent and Chandigarh 1 per cent.
- With inputs from agencies
