We are doing this to Pak; let us not do this to our States: High Court on Punjab blocking dam water to Haryana

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday took exception to the ongoing water dispute between the States of Punjab and Haryana, saying that while India has decide to take measures against Pakistan, the States within the country should not be doing the same against each other..The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel was hearing a plea moved by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) seeking intervention against alleged takeover of the Nangal dam by Punjab and obstruction of release of water to Haryana. "We are doing this to our enemy country. Let us not do this within our States," Chief Justice Nagu remarked..Punjab has deployed additional police personnel at the Nangal dam after a decision was taken to release additional water to Haryana. This prompted BBMB to move the Court."The reservoir is going to overflow and the downstream States are going to go dry," Senior Advocate Rajesh Garg told the Court on behalf of BBMB while objecting to the deployment of more police personnel at the dam..In response, Punjab government argued that law and order is the prerogative of the State."Law and order is the State subject. BBMB cannot say what police should do or police would be deployed. They want illegal resolutions implemented. In such a delicate time when border tensions are there, please take into consideration," Senior Advocate Gurminder Singh said on behalf of State of Punjab..Garg retorted by saying that Himachal Pradesh could make similar claims next over Bhakra dam which is in that State."Tomorrow Himachal may say same for Bhakra dam. This dispute is related to Nangal dam which is in Punjab," he said..Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain said that the BBMB resolution has to be challenged legally."Flow of water permitted by BBMB is not just for Haryana but Rajasthan also. The BBMB resolution for release of water has not been challenged. Anybody aggrieved of BBMB decision has to challenge that," Jain said. He said that the actions by Punjab is not in good spirit."The water is not out of share of Punjab. For me all states are equal. Water comes from Himachal. What happens tomorrow if they stop. This is not in good spirit," he submitted.He called for directions to remove Punjab Police from Nangal dam."Who looks after security (of the dam)," the Court asked."Punjab Police does," Singh responded..Garg called for deployment of central paramilitary forces."It was always with Punjab Police but there were 15 personnel only. Suddenly the number has risen to 55. Their political workers are there. Director Security of dam has a role. He has all right to object. If Punjab Police role is doubtful, the Court can order deployment of paramilitary force," he said."Such institutions are always manned by central paramilitary forces," the Bench weighed in.Singh objected to BBMB counsel's submissions casting aspersions of Punjab Police.Haryana Advocate General Pravindra Singh Chauhan alleged Punjab Police has taken operational control at Nangal dam."They (Punjab) are opposing distribution of water tooth and nail. Under the garb of protecting the dam, what are they doing. This is not their job. The demand of 8,``500 cusecs is not just for Haryana but Delhi also. 1049 is for Delhi, 850 is for Rajasthan," AG Chauhan said. .He further said that the increase in water release was ordered by BBMB, an expert body, after Haryana raised the demand.Any objection to the same should be agitated before the Central government instead of unilaterally resorting to deployment of police personnel, he said."BBMB is the expert body. We have raised our demand and technical committee has ordered release of 8500 cusecs. Punjab has objected but decision has been made. Punjab can approach Central government now but their actions at present are not only illegal but unconstitutional," AG Chauhan argued.However, Singh said that the arguments were incorrect."Half facts are being told. This is very unfortunate. BBMB has misled the Court. What is being stated before milords is nothing but a bunch of lies. Their immediate concern and prayer stands addressed. Police is not interfering. AG has instructions to state that. End of story," Singh said..After hearing the arguments, the Court said it would pass an order today.