Changed scenario ground to oppose SYL, says AG

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 20

Reiterating the government’s earlier stand of not having a drop to spare, Punjab Advocate-General Atul Nanda today made it clear that much water had flown since the SYL issue was initially taken up and the change in circumstances itself was a ground. He added that the government was contemplating the move to approach various authorities, including the Union Government.

The assertion on approaching the authorities comes as an indication of the government’s attempts to also resolve the issue beyond the realm of courts.

It came soon after Nanda attended a top-level meeting on the issue this afternoon. Though the details are not known, Nanda also met Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh later during the day.

Nanda said: “We do not have water. The water table is depleting. Jamuna (Yamuna) was not even taken into consideration. The change in circumstances is a ground.

“Keeping all these things in view, we are formulating a strategy. We are also contemplating approaching various authorities, central authorities. I think the Chief Minister is soon going to make a statement to this effect.”

Junking the notion that the Supreme Court had already discarded contentions raised by the government, Nanda said information finding its way into the media was based on verbal observations.

The matter is scheduled to come up for further hearing before the Supreme Court on March 28.