Open House: Should interstate disputes hinder supply of essential commodities like water?

Rusted old pipes to blame for low pressure

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Rusted and worn out underground pipes could be the reason for the low pressure of water supply for the past two months. Water leakages go unattended for months. I am witness to such leakages along the cycle track of Leisure Valley and Sukhna lake. These not only result in loss of precious resource but cause puddles, acting as breeding ground for mosquitoes. The MC needs to upgrade old and worn out pipelines. The BBMB issue may have added to the supply deficit, but the supply lines definitely need to be reviewed.

PS Gill

Enforce riparian law in letter and spirit

The feud between Punjab and Haryana over the release of water from Bhakra dam for the past two months is a political one. On the other hand, farmers and general public find themselves at the receiving end. Being the riparian state, Punjab must have the overall right on Bhakra water. The mutual understandings reached in the past and government decisions must be implemented without eyeing any political gain. Needless to say, supply in the tricity also depends on the release of water from Bhakra dam.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Disputes must not hit essential services

Water is a basic need for all living beings. It is unfortunate that Chandigarh has been deprived of water due to a dispute between Punjab and Haryana. Both the state governments should ensure that Chandigarh gets its full share of water. There should be a standard operating procedure for distribution of water and other essential services to city residents. Rainwater harvesting should be encouraged. Leakage and wastage of water from underground pipes and overhead tanks should be stopped by making use of digital technology.

Col TBS Bedi, Mohali

Public welfare must precede state rivalry

The disagreement between Punjab and Haryana over the Bhakra canal water for over two months is unwarranted. Such conflicts must be addressed urgently through dialogue, mediation by the Centre or with intervention of constitutional bodies to ensure uninterrupted essential service. Holding citizens hostage to political or administrative disputes is both unjust and unconstitutional. Mechanisms like river boards, interstate water tribunals and joint management committees should be activated or strengthened for long-term solutions. At all times, public welfare must take precedence over regional rivalries. Ensuring equitable water distribution through cooperation, not confrontation, is essential for social harmony and national integration.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh

Fix separate quota of Bhakra water for city

To ensure uninterrupted water supply to Chandigarh amid the Punjab-Haryana Bhakra canal dispute, the city's water allocation must be treated as a non-negotiable essential service under the Central jurisdiction. As a union territory and shared capital of the two states, Chandigarh's needs should be insulated from regional disputes. A tripartite agreement between Punjab, Haryana, and the Centre should fix a separate quota for the city, overseen by a neutral authority like the Central Water Commission. Infrastructure-wise, exclusive pipelines or dedicated storage for Chandigarh can provide autonomy. A standing dispute resolution mechanism and early warning system should be established to de-escalate tensions before impacting supply.

Brig Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Build rainwater harvesting infra

Access to essential commodities like water must transcend political disputes. Mandate rainwater harvesting in all new constructions and retrofit public buildings with atmospheric water generators to reduce dependency on canal water. Accelerate sewage treatment to 100% reuse for non-potable needs (industrial/irrigation), freeing freshwater for households. Pilot a blockchain-based system where states earn credits for conservation/supply stability, tradable during shortages to incentivise cooperation.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Resolve water dispute between Punjab, Haryana

The climatic changes across the world have made water more scarce and as such an essential commodity. The continuous rise in population has increased its need. The conflict between Punjab and Haryana should be solved at the earliest.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Store surplus water, share it during crisis

Smart water banking can be introduced where surplus water is stored and shared dynamically between states during shortages. Mandatory arbitration panels should resolve disputes swiftly, preventing prolonged disruptions. Water recycling units in affected cities can reduce dependency on interstate resources. Water is life-its flow should never be dictated by borders but by necessity and sustainability.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Set up national council to provide water security

Establish a National Water Security Council, directly under the Prime Minister's Office, with powers to override state-level squabbles during emergencies. The council would operate with a 'humanitarian first' mandate, ensuring immediate release of water for drinking purposes, followed by expedited, binding arbitration through a fast-track tribunal.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

Centre should act as neutral arbitrator

The recent Bhakra Canal water dispute between Punjab and Haryana, which disrupted Chandigarh's water supply, highlights the urgent need for stronger Central mediation in inter-state conflicts. The Centre must act as a neutral arbitrator to ensure uninterrupted access to vital resources, irrespective of state boundaries. Resources like water, electricity and food must be treated as shared national assets, not bargaining tools. Strengthening the central role in such matters will not only safeguard urban infrastructure and public health but also foster unity and trust among states.

Jeevanjyoti, Mohali

Create city-specific water reserve

Interstate disputes, like the one between Punjab and Haryana over Bhakra Canal water, must not disrupt essential supplies like water, which is a fundamental right, not a bargaining chip. Create a Chandigarh-specific water reserve, pooling resources from both states, to buffer supply during conflicts. Encourage public-private partnerships to develop localised water recycling and rainwater harvesting units, reducing dependency on disputed sources.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Explore alternative sources of water

Water conservation measures like rainwater harvesting, water recycling and efficient irrigation systems can be implemented to reduce dependence on canal water. Alternative water sources like groundwater, lakes, or rivers can be explored to diversify Chandigarh's water supply. By adopting these measures, Chandigarh can ensure a reliable water supply, unaffected by interstate disputes.

Gurpreet Kaur, Mohali

Ensure uninterrupted access to potable water

Fulfilling residents' needs, especially during crises like water scarcity, is a fundamental duty of the government. The authorities concerned must act with diligence and empathy to provide uninterrupted access to safe drinking water. While long-term solutions require cooperation, an immediate agreement is necessary to ensure Chandigarh residents are not adversely affected while negotiations continue.

Narinder Banwait

UT should raise its storage capacity

Water supply comes under essential services notified by the Government of India. It can't be curtailed at any cost. The Chandigarh Administration should increase its water storage capacity so that residents do not have to face any shortage of this essential resource. The Punjab Governor, who is also the UT Administrator, should direct the state government not to make the Bhakra water a political issue as Chandigarh residents were also suffering due to it.

Kirpal Singh, Chandigarh

Make rainwater harvesting must

Using tubewells to cater to water needs of the city reduces water table. But since canal water supply is limited, tricity residents should conserve water until Chenab and Indus river water is channelised. Mandating rainwater harvesting in the tricity is essential to recharge groundwater.

Col Balbir Singh Mathauda (retd), Chandigarh

Central intervention can resolve dispute

Water, like other essential commodities, must be kept above politics. Interstate disputes should be resolved through dialogue and intervention of the Central government, ensuring uninterrupted public services. Citizens must not bear the brunt of administrative conflicts. It is the responsibility of our elected representatives to accord priority to public welfare and ensure basic needs are met without fail.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Need for Centre or SC-formed panel

Dissolve the rights states currently have on rivers that do not pass exclusively through just one state. Any dam, reservoir or hydro-electric project to be built on a river that flows through two or more states should be permanently controlled and managed by a Central government or Supreme Court-appointed body. Any dispute between states should be settled once and for all, instead of arbitration happening almost every year.

Vijay Malia, Chandigarh

Put alternative supply systems in place

Certainly, interstate water disputes must not come in the way of water supply to Chandigarh. The authorities must ensure that alternative water supply systems are put in place. Moreover, dysfunctional tubewells should be immediately brought into use. Clean water supply should be ensured.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

End dispute in larger public interest

City residents have been suffering from water woes for the last three months. Low pressure, muddy supply, no supply, they have seen all. Earlier, it was said that the erratic water supply was due to some repair work. Later it was stated in the MC House that the sharing of water between Punjab and Haryana is the root cause of the water shortage in the city. In the interest of public at large, the political masters of the two states should amicably resolve their disputes at the earliest. Certainly water should not and cannot be used as a tool to gain brownie points to be converted into votes in the elections.

Dr Rajeev Kumar, Chandigarh

Ensure fair distribution

Interstate political or administrative dispute should never obstruct access to essential resources such as water. The authorities could ensure fair distribution of water, irrespective of political boundaries, as essential services can be only managed through co-operation, not conflict. Chandigarh residents should not suffer because of a disagreement between Punjab and Haryana. The Centre should intervene when disputes start affecting basic services like water. Obviously, it affects sanitation, public health, education and economic activities too. Mechanisms should exist to ensure that such supplies remain uninterrupted.

Anita K Tandon, Mundi Kharar

Set up tribunal for interstate disputes

In a diverse and democratic country like India, every citizen deserves equal rights over natural resources, regardless of their state of residence. The spirit of "One Nation, One Policy" must prevail to ensure justice and unity. While interstate disputes over resources like water are bound to arise, using them for political mileage and keeping citizens at ransom is highly condemnable. There should be a dedicated tribunal system to resolve such issues within a fixed time frame, and all states must honour its verdict. Disrupting the flow of essential resources weakens the fabric of cooperative federalism.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Punjab not right in hindering supply

It is common to see water being wasted even as everyone knows that there is an acute shortage of this essential commodity. The Punjab Government cannot hinder the supply of Bhakra water just because it passes through its state. The supply should be maintained as per the treaty signed in this connection. Otherwise it will lead to civil war.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh