Compensation for Munak Canal tragedy victims announced

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced compensation for the families of the two boys who had drowned in the Munak Canal, while also calling for the transfer of the canal’s maintenance from Haryana to Delhi to ensure stronger safety measures.

Gupta visited Shalimar Bagh’s Haiderpur area to meet the bereaved families and conveyed her condolences. She said the government would provide ex-gratia assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the victims’ families and directed officials to expedite the financial aid process.

“The government stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time,” the CM said, adding that strict safety measures would be enforced at canals and other sensitive locations across the city to prevent such accidents.

The canal, which supplies fresh water to Delhi, enters the capital from Haryana at Bawana and runs for 20 km before terminating at Inderlok. Currently maintained by the Haryana Government, the canal has been at the centre of safety concerns.

Gupta said discussions were underway with Haryana for the handover of the maintenance responsibilities to Delhi. “Once that happens, railings will be installed on either sides of the canal to ensure public safety,” she said.

The CM also directed officials to begin securing the canal area immediately to avoid recurrence of such incidents.