Observers say that a cooperative solution involving water from other sources such as the Chenab and Ravi rivers may offer...
SYL Canal Talks Resume: Punjab, Haryana CMs Meet Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil in Delhi
Punjab Haryana SYL Meeting: In a significant development towards resolving the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil on Wednesday chaired a crucial meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi.
The meeting, seen as a renewed push to address the decades-old water-sharing disagreement between the two states, came amid rising tensions over water scarcity and political pressure ahead of upcoming elections in both Punjab and Haryana.
Punjab CM Suggests Alternative Route Through Indus Water Treaty Resources
Following the meeting, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann described the discussion as “detailed and productive,” emphasizing the potential availability of alternative water sources in light of the Indus Water Treaty being held in abeyance.
“Today we had a very important meeting with Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Paatil and Haryana CM on the SYL project. This matter has been pending in the Supreme Court for a long time,” said Mann.
Highlighting Punjab’s geographical position as a channel state, he added, “Since the Indus Water Treaty has been held in abeyance, we can receive water from the Chenab and Ravi rivers in Pong Dam, Ranjeet Sagar Dam, and Bhakra Nangal Dam. If we get 13 MAF (million acre-feet) of water from there, we will use some of it and send the rest to Haryana.”
Mann said Punjab is not opposed to sharing water, but a sustainable and mutually agreeable solution must be found that takes into account Punjab’s own water limitations and agricultural demands.
Haryana CM Stresses Need for Resolution
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini also struck a positive note after the meeting, stating, “We had a proper discussion with all the members, and this issue should be resolved. The same was said by the Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and good results will come out of it.”
Saini reiterated Haryana’s long-standing demand for its “rightful share” of water and welcomed the fresh round of negotiations, hoping it leads to concrete action.
Background: The SYL Dispute
The SYL canal project was conceived in the 1970s to facilitate water sharing between Punjab and Haryana, following the latter’s formation in 1966. However, due to political and legal hurdles — and strong opposition from Punjab over concerns of depleting groundwater — the canal remains incomplete.
The Supreme Court of India has been monitoring the case closely, and the Union government has made multiple attempts in the past to mediate a resolution between the two states.
A Possible Breakthrough?
While no official agreement has been signed yet, today’s meeting appears to have revived the dialogue process between Punjab and Haryana. The Union Jal Shakti Ministry is expected to submit a status report in the Supreme Court regarding the outcome of these talks.
Observers say that a cooperative solution involving water from other sources such as the Chenab and Ravi rivers may offer a viable path forward — but any resolution will require careful coordination, legal clarity, and political will.
For now, the people of both states await whether this fresh round of talks can finally lead to a breakthrough in one of India’s longest-running inter-state water disputes.
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