Case Note & Summary
The dispute arose from the flooding of the Ghaggar Basin, which adversely affected 25 villages in Punjab and Haryana. The Supreme Court, in response to the ongoing flood issues, directed the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to convene a meeting to address the flooding problem. Following this, a series of meetings and studies were conducted, culminating in a final Model Study Report by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune. The report recommended specific measures to mitigate flooding, including widening the river and constructing embankments. The court noted that the states had been provided with the report and were required to act on its recommendations in a timely manner. The court ordered periodic meetings every four weeks among stakeholders to monitor the implementation of these recommendations and mandated that the Ghaggar Standing Committee report on progress every three months to the CWC, which would then submit updates to the court. The matter was scheduled for further hearing on 09.11.2022.
Headnote
A) Environmental Law - Flood Management - State Responsibility - Central Water Commission Act, 2002 - Court directed Punjab and Haryana to implement flood mitigation measures as per CWPRS recommendations to address flooding affecting 25 villages. The court emphasized the need for timely action to resolve longstanding flood issues and mandated regular progress reports (Paras 1-4).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the State Governments of Punjab and Haryana are required to implement the recommendations made in the final Model Study Report by CWPRS, Pune regarding flood mitigation in the Ghaggar Basin.
Final Decision
The court directed the State Governments of Punjab and Haryana to implement the recommendations made in the final Model Study Report by CWPRS, Pune, and to take corrective measures to address the flooding problem. Periodical meetings were mandated to monitor progress, with reports to be submitted to the court.
Law Points
- Flood management
- State responsibility
- Water resources management
- Environmental protection
