Latest news with #SutlejYamunaLink
The Print
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Utilise Chenab river water, shelve SYL canal issue: Punjab CM to Centre
The Punjab chief minister said in the last meeting held on July 9, the Union government informed that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan has been suspended and it opens up an opportunity for India to utilise water from the Chenab River, one of the western rivers earlier given to Pakistan under the treaty. Mann participated in a meeting called by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi over the SYL canal issue, in which Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present. Chandigarh, Aug 5 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday urged the Centre to utilise the waters of the Chenab River to resolve the water-sharing dispute between his state and Haryana and sought the scrapping of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project. An official statement quoting Mann said the Centre should now divert Chenab's waters to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra, adding that to carry this extra water, new canals and infrastructure would be required, which would be built in Punjab. Mann said these canals and infrastructure can be first used to meet the needs of the state, and after Punjab's requirements are met, the water can be supplied to Haryana and Rajasthan through the same canal system. He said using Chenab water will reduce Punjab's dependence on groundwater, revive surface irrigation and support the farming community, which is the backbone of the state's economy, besides saving groundwater of the state for future generations. Punjab, which is currently facing groundwater depletion, must be prioritised in any future strategies for the usage, diversion, or allocation of these river waters, he said. Mann also said the waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on a priority basis, adding that new storage dams upstream of existing Bhakra and Pong in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed, which will significantly enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. Seeking the shelving of the SYL project, Mann unequivocally said that the Sharda-Yamuna Link for transfer of surplus Sharda River water to the Yamuna River and diversion of Chenab water to Beas River through the Rohtang tunnel should be done to eliminate the need for the SYL canal. He said the long-conceived project of Sharda-Yamuna Link should be taken up on priority and surplus water be transferred to the Yamuna River at a suitable location. Mann said the additional water available could offset the balance water requirement of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the ever-growing drinking water requirement of Delhi and the availability of the Yamuna water to Rajasthan. Batting for the Yamuna-Sutlej Link (YSL) canal, he said that the memorandum of understanding of May 12, 1994, of allocation of Yamuna waters between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan is to be reviewed after 2025. Therefore, Punjab should be included as a partner state in the allocation of Yamuna waters, and 60 per cent of the surplus water of the Yamuna River should be considered for the state, he said. Haryana has enough scope to get additional water from other sources, which also needs to be accounted for, said Mann. He said that Haryana is also receiving 2.703 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from the Ghaggar River, Tangri Nadi, Markanda River, Saraswati Nadi, Chautang-Rakshi, Nai Nalah, Sahibi Nadi, Krishna Dhuan, and Landoha Nalah, which has not been accounted for so far when deciding the water allocations between the states. Mann reiterated that the SYL canal is an 'emotive issue' for Punjab and its construction could trigger 'serious' law and order challenges in the state and escalate into a national crisis, with neighbouring Haryana and Rajasthan also feeling the impact. The total water requirement of Punjab is 52 MAF, and water available with the state of Punjab is only 26.75 MAF (surface water from three rivers, 12.46 MAF, and groundwater 14.29 MAF), said Mann. Talking to reporters in the national capital after the meeting, Saini said a significant step forward was made on the ongoing dialogue over water-sharing between Haryana and Punjab. The talks were held in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere. The issue has been under discussion for a long time, and earlier deliberations held on July 9 had already indicated a positive shift, he said. This time, we have moved a step further. The discussions were held in an even more constructive environment, Saini added. Saini asserted that Haryana will present its case in a 'positive and solution-oriented' manner before the Supreme Court on August 13 and expressed confidence that a fair and favourable resolution will be achieved. PTI CHS SUN VSD RHL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Utilise Chenab river water, shelve SYL canal issue: Punjab CM to Centre
Last Updated: Chandigarh, Aug 5 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday urged the Centre to utilise the waters of the Chenab River to resolve the water-sharing dispute between his state and Haryana and sought the scrapping of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project. Mann participated in a meeting called by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi over the SYL canal issue, in which Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present. The Punjab chief minister said in the last meeting held on July 9, the Union government informed that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan has been suspended and it opens up an opportunity for India to utilise water from the Chenab River, one of the western rivers earlier given to Pakistan under the treaty. An official statement quoting Mann said the Centre should now divert Chenab's waters to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra, adding that to carry this extra water, new canals and infrastructure would be required, which would be built in Punjab. Mann said these canals and infrastructure can be first used to meet the needs of the state, and after Punjab's requirements are met, the water can be supplied to Haryana and Rajasthan through the same canal system. He said using Chenab water will reduce Punjab's dependence on groundwater, revive surface irrigation and support the farming community, which is the backbone of the state's economy, besides saving groundwater of the state for future generations. Punjab, which is currently facing groundwater depletion, must be prioritised in any future strategies for the usage, diversion, or allocation of these river waters, he said. Mann also said the waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on a priority basis, adding that new storage dams upstream of existing Bhakra and Pong in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed, which will significantly enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. Seeking the shelving of the SYL project, Mann unequivocally said that the Sharda-Yamuna Link for transfer of surplus Sharda River water to the Yamuna River and diversion of Chenab water to Beas River through the Rohtang tunnel should be done to eliminate the need for the SYL canal. He said the long-conceived project of Sharda-Yamuna Link should be taken up on priority and surplus water be transferred to the Yamuna River at a suitable location. Mann said the additional water available could offset the balance water requirement of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the ever-growing drinking water requirement of Delhi and the availability of the Yamuna water to Rajasthan. Batting for the Yamuna-Sutlej Link (YSL) canal, he said that the memorandum of understanding of May 12, 1994, of allocation of Yamuna waters between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan is to be reviewed after 2025. Therefore, Punjab should be included as a partner state in the allocation of Yamuna waters, and 60 per cent of the surplus water of the Yamuna River should be considered for the state, he said. Haryana has enough scope to get additional water from other sources, which also needs to be accounted for, said Mann. He said that Haryana is also receiving 2.703 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from the Ghaggar River, Tangri Nadi, Markanda River, Saraswati Nadi, Chautang-Rakshi, Nai Nalah, Sahibi Nadi, Krishna Dhuan, and Landoha Nalah, which has not been accounted for so far when deciding the water allocations between the states. Mann reiterated that the SYL canal is an 'emotive issue" for Punjab and its construction could trigger 'serious" law and order challenges in the state and escalate into a national crisis, with neighbouring Haryana and Rajasthan also feeling the impact. The total water requirement of Punjab is 52 MAF, and water available with the state of Punjab is only 26.75 MAF (surface water from three rivers, 12.46 MAF, and groundwater 14.29 MAF), said Mann. Talking to reporters in the national capital after the meeting, Saini said a significant step forward was made on the ongoing dialogue over water-sharing between Haryana and Punjab. The talks were held in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere. The issue has been under discussion for a long time, and earlier deliberations held on July 9 had already indicated a positive shift, he said. top videos View all This time, we have moved a step further. The discussions were held in an even more constructive environment, Saini added. Saini asserted that Haryana will present its case in a 'positive and solution-oriented" manner before the Supreme Court on August 13 and expressed confidence that a fair and favourable resolution will be achieved. PTI CHS SUN VSD RHL First Published: August 06, 2025, 00:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Centre grants yet another extension to Ravi Beas Water Tribunal
The central government has granted another extension for a year to the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal constituted in 1986 for verification and adjudication of claims regarding quantum of water usage and shares of Punjab and Haryana in the remaining waters as per para 9.1 and 9.2 of Rajiv Longowal Memorandum of Settlement (Accord) of July 24, 1985. The Tribunal was constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. Haryana on its part started construction of the SYL canal in its territories towards the end of 1976 and completed it in June 1980. (HT File) 'The central government, keeping in view the exigencies of the work involved, as pointed out by the Tribunal, considers it necessary to extend the said period for one year from August 5, 2025. In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 5 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, the Central government hereby further extends the period within which the Tribunal may forward its report on the references so made to till August 5, 2026,' reads a July 9 notification by Union Jal Shakti ministry. After the reorganisation of the erstwhile Punjab into the two separate states of Punjab and Haryana on November 1, 1966, disputes arose between the two states with regards to sharing of the surplus Ravi-Beas waters. Haryana laid claim to 4.8 million acre feet (MAF) of water out of 7.2 MAF (composite Punjab's entitlement) on the principle of equitable distribution. Punjab, however, decided not to give anything to Haryana taking the plea that the latter was not a riparian state (a state located on the bank of a river). The central government then tried to resolve the dispute by passing a statutory order on March 24, 1976 under Punjab Reorganisation Act allocating 3.5 MAF of surplus Ravi-Beas waters to Haryana out of the total 7.2 MAF share of surplus Ravi Beas waters of erstwhile Punjab. For carrying Haryana's share in the surplus Ravi Beas waters, a link canal-the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal-was planned to be constructed in the territories of Punjab and Haryana. Haryana on its part started construction of the SYL canal in its territories towards the end of 1976 and completed it in June 1980. Upset at the decision, the Punjab government moved the Supreme Court against the centre's decision. The Haryana government too moved the apex court seeking implementation of the centre's decision. Construction of the SYL canal in Punjab territory was taken up by the Punjab government in 1982 but stopped in 1990 after completion of about 90% work. An accord known as - the Punjab Settlement- was signed on July 24, 1985 at New Delhi between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sant Harcharan Singh Longowal. It included certain provisions relating to Ravi-Beas waters -- construction of SYL canal should be completed by August 15, 1986; claims of Punjab and Haryana regarding their shares in the remaining water be referred for adjudication by a Tribunal presided over by a Supreme court judge. In 1986, a Tribunal under Justice V Balakrishna Eradi was constituted by the central government to decide sharing of the surplus Ravi Beas waters. Para 9.1 of the Accord said that waters used for consumptive purposes will also remain unaffected and the quantum of usage claimed shall be verified by the tribunal referred to in para 9.2. Para 9.2 said that the claims of Punjab and Haryana regarding the shares in their remaining waters will be referred for adjudication to a Tribunal to be presided over by a Supreme Court judge. The decision of this tribunal will be rendered within six months and would be binding on both parties. All legal and constitutional steps required in this respect shall be taken expeditiously, it said. The Tribunal gave its report on January 30, 1987 and it was forwarded to the Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan governments on May 20, 1987. The Tribunal in its award increased the share of Haryana to 3.83 MAF from 3.50 MAF and that of Punjab to 5.0 MAF from 4.22 MAF. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and the Central governments subsequently made references to the Tribunal seeking explanation/ guidance on the report in August 1987 which are under consideration till now. The Tribunal's award thus could not be notified by the central government.
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
SYL canal: Centre mediating, Saini sees early resolution, but Mann says not a drop to share
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Wednesday reiterated that the state has no surplus water for others, demanded its legitimate share in the Indus waters, and again mooted the idea of a Yamuna Sutlej Link (YSL) canal instead of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Participating in a meeting at Shram Shakti Bhawan in New Delhi on the SYL canal issue, Mann asserted that a reassessment of the availability of water in the state is needed according to international norms. The meeting, convened by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to discuss the SYL Canal issue, was also attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. 'The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere with both state leaders expressing their commitment to finding an early resolution to the long-standing water-sharing issue,' the Jal Shakti Ministry said in a statement. Though no immediate breakthrough was announced, it was agreed that the chief ministers would meet again with the Union minister on August 5 to continue working towards an amicable solution. The move comes amid increasing calls for the Centre to mediate between the states and uphold inter-state water-sharing agreements. Meanwhile, the Punjab government, in a statement, said that the groundwater situation in Punjab is very grim. It said that the Mann told the meeting that since most of the river resources of the state have dried up, it needs more water to cater to its irrigation needs. The scant amount of water Punjab has, is being provided to farmers, and in such a scenario, there is no question of sharing even a drop of water with any other state, the chief minister said. He said the opportunity that has opened up with the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan must be duly utilised to fulfil the water needs of the state. Efforts should be made to bring water from the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) to meet the growing demand, Mann added. He pointed out that India's decision to suspend the water treaty with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack opens up the possibility of greater utilisation of water from the western rivers. Mann went on to stress that Punjab, which is currently facing groundwater depletion, must be prioritised in any future strategies for the usage, diversion, or allocation of river waters. New storage dams should be built in the upstream of the Bhakra and Pong Dams in Himachal Pradesh, he said, while highlighting that it would significantly enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. 'It is the need of the hour that Punjab, which has overexploited its only available natural resources — water and fertile land — to make the country self-reliant in food production, is duly compensated.' The long-conceived Sharda-Yamuna Link project needs to be taken up on priority, and surplus water should be transferred to the Yamuna at a suitable location, Mann said. He maintained that the additional water, so available, could offset the balance water requirement of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the drinking water requirement of Delhi and the availability of the Yamuna water to Rajasthan. To cater to Haryana's demands, a Sarda-Yamuna Link canal should be constructed to transfer surplus Sarda water to the Yamuna while the Chenab water can be diverted to Beas through the Rohtang tunnel to eliminate the need for the SYL canal, the Punjab chief minister proposed. He said that proceedings with respect to the SYL matter may be kept in abeyance till the decision of the Ravi-Beas tribunal is awarded, adding that the 1994 MoU on allocation of Yamuna water between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan will be reviewed after this year. So, Punjab should be included as a partner state of Yamuna water allocations, and 60 per cent surplus waters of the river should be considered for the state, the chief minister demanded. He said that instead of the Sutlej-Yamuna-Link (SYL) canal, the project should now be reconceived as the Yamuna-Satluj-Link (YSL) canal, as the Sutlej river has already dried up and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water from it. Rather, water from the Ganga and Yamuna should be supplied to Punjab through the Sutlej, he added. Mann highlighted that the SYL canal is an 'emotive issue'. He categorically said that land is not available for the SYL canal. Out of 34.34 MAF water of the three rivers, Punjab was allocated only 14.22 MAF, while the remaining 60 per cent was allocated to Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, even though none of these rivers actually flow through these states, the chief minister added. Meanwhile, Haryana CM Saini expressed confidence that the SYL issue will be resolved soon, asserting that the Punjab government has also sought a solution to the problem. He said a meaningful discussion took place in the meeting and that Mann 'also acknowledged that this issue should be resolved, as it has remained pending for far too long'. Saini expressed confidence that a positive outcome will be achieved on this issue. He said that Punjab and Haryana are like brothers, and even today, they share a common space with mutual respect and harmony. He added that discussions in the next meeting are expected to lead to a better solution and yield positive results.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab CM Mann proposes Chenab water diversion to end SYL dispute
Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday outlined a solution to the contentious Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute by suggesting that Punjab be allocated additional river water by diverting water from Chenab and other western rivers, following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. This surplus, he stated, could then be shared with Haryana and other states. Mann, however, ruled out Punjab's willingness to accept Haryana's demand to complete the SYL canal, adding that he complained about the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) alleged partisan role in the allocation of river water. Speaking to the media after a meeting on the SYL issue with Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil in New Delhi, Mann said, "The meeting was on a serious issue of SYL. While Punjab has no surplus water to share, they (Haryana) want the canal to be built," adding that the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere. Reiterating that Punjab has no surplus water for any other state, Mann sought a share for the state in Indus waters and mooted the idea of a Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) canal instead of the SYL canal. He said that to cater to the demands of Haryana, a Sarda Yamuna link should be constructed to transfer surplus Sarda water to the Yamuna, and Chenab water can be diverted to the Beas through the Rohtang tunnel to eliminate the need for the SYL canal. He said that proceedings with respect to the SYL matter may be kept in abeyance till the decision of the Ravi-Beas tribunal is awarded. Mann highlighted a "glimmer of hope" arising from the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. He explained that while water from the Jhelum cannot be diverted to Punjab due to the absence of a channel, the state could potentially receive an additional 23 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water from the Chenab and Ravi rivers through existing infrastructure like the Pong Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, and Bhakra Dam. "If Punjab gets an extra 23 MAF water, we have no problem in sharing it further with Haryana and even Madhya Pradesh," Mann affirmed, urging the Union Jal Shakti Minister to fast-track this proposal. "We are fighting for a few MAF of water. If we get 23 MAF from the Chenab, the whole dispute will be resolved forever," he said. He added that the Sharda-Yamuna Link needs to be taken up on priority and surplus water be transferred to the River Yamuna at a suitable location. He said that the additional water so available could offset the balance water requirement of the state of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the drinking water requirement of the capital city of Delhi and the availability of the Yamuna water to Rajasthan. Mann said with this, the issue of the construction of the SYL canal could be shelved and put to rest forever. Addressing the long-standing nature of the dispute, Mann remarked, "Saini Saab also gave his view. We have been fighting over what happened in 1971-72. We were not even born at that time. The issue will be settled if both states get water. For how long will we continue with these old wounds? Are we supposed to fight with Pakistan or Haryana?" Mann announced that another meeting on the SYL issue has been scheduled for August 5, ahead of the court hearing on August 13. When pressed on whether Punjab would agree to the construction of the SYL canal, Mann firmly stated that the notification for the canal land was already withdrawn and the land returned to farmers. He criticised the politicisation of water issues, advocating for education, health, and infrastructure to be the primary political concerns. He also highlighted that since the AAP govt took over in 2022, canal water utilisation in Punjab increased from 21% to 63%. Reiterating his stance on the construction of the SYL canal, Mann affirmed, "There is no such issue. The idea is to end the dispute. Punjab and Haryana are like brothers. Time is the best healer. This issue has lingered on for a long time. While Punjab cannot give up its right on water, if the state gets more water, it can pass it on." When asked how water could be shared without completing the SYL canal, Mann replied, "A lot can happen. " Mann concluded by referencing the Prime Minister's statement that either "blood or water can flow." He expressed Punjab's eagerness to receive additional water from the Chenab, Ravi, and Ujh rivers following the Indus Water Treaty suspension, stating, "Punjab can again become the land of five rivers. Presently, water is going to those who are flowing our blood (Pakistan)." Mann added that agreements and decisions of tribunals should be reviewed in light of changed circumstances and environmental developments, as international norms mandate a review every 25 years. "Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state and reassessment of availability of water in the state is required as per international norms," he said. 'HARYANA IS PUNJAB'S BROTHER' Emphasising the fraternal bond between the states, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann stated, "Haryana is not our enemy, we are brothers. We have relations in the neighbouring state. We are the inheritors of Bhai Kanhaiya's legacy." He reiterated that if Punjab receives the additional 23 MAF, it would significantly benefit agriculture in Punjab and then flow to other states like Haryana, but stressed that Punjab, as a riparian state, would retain the "first right" over the channel. SLAMS BBMB OVER WATER ALLOCATION The chief minister also raised a complaint about the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) with the union minister, questioning why Punjab, despite contributing 70% of food grains to the central pool, does not receive adequate water. "Are we supposed to grow food grains in flowerpots?" he asked, highlighting Punjab's substantial contribution of 185 LMT rice and 125 LMT wheat to the country. He added that as a border state, Punjab should receive some form of compensation. 'SYL CAN LEAD TO LAW ISSUE' Mann said that the SYL canal is an 'emotive issue' and Punjab will have serious law and order issues, and it will become a national problem, with Haryana and Rajasthan also bearing the brunt. He categorically said that land for the SYL canal is not available as of today. 'ALLOCATE WESTERN RIVERS WATERS' Mann said that the waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on a priority basis and new storage dams upstream of the existing Bhakra and Pong Dams in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed. He said that this would enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. Mann also lamented the Centre's view that the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966 is silent about the Yamuna, as its waters were not considered shareable between Punjab and Haryana. MSID:: 122346738 413 |
