SYL Row: Punjab, Haryana Move to Official Talks Ahead of April SC Hearing

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reiterated that Punjab has no surplus water to share, noting that the state already provides 60 per cent of its water to non-riparian states. File Photo.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini agreed to form a joint committee of officers to address the long-standing Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute. Following the 40-minute discussion, both states agreed to establish a joint committee of secretary-level officers to conduct regular technical deliberations on the sharing of river waters.

According to official sources, the committee will consist of the water resources secretaries from both states. This panel is scheduled to meet every 10 to 15 days to discuss technical aspects and potential solutions. These officials are tasked with exploring practical solutions and briefing their respective governments ahead of the Supreme Court’s next hearing.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reiterated that Punjab has no surplus water to share, noting that the state already provides 60 per cent of its water to non-riparian states. While Mann described Haryana as a "younger brother" and invoked the compassionate spirit of Bhai Kanhaiya ji, he maintained that Punjab’s interests must be safeguarded.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini expressed optimism, stating that regular official-level dialogue is a constructive step toward a mutually acceptable settlement.

Source: The Tribune