Jal Shakti Minister Holds Crucial Meeting on SYL Issue with Punjab and Haryana CMs

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat held a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh yesterday. The meeting was called upon to discuss the long-standing Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal (SYL) issue. Mr Shekhawat expressed concern over the diminishing groundwater levels in both states and emphasized the necessity for concerted efforts to address this concern. 

Acknowledging the strides made by the Haryana Government in implementing a micro-irrigation system, he highlighted that Haryana has achieved a remarkable 1000 percent increase in micro-irrigation management. He urged the state of Punjab to draw inspiration from Haryana's success and actively promote the adoption of micro-irrigation practices.

 

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal said that Haryana’s demand is that, instead of diverting the water to Pakistan, the water should be used by the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. During his interaction with the media after the meeting, Manohar Lal said that SYL meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, but Punjab CM is adamant on the issue of construction of SYL. 

In yesterday's meeting, the Punjab Government committed to submitting an



affidavit to the Central Government, providing details about the SYL and water situation. This affidavit is intended for presentation in the upcoming Supreme Court hearing. Haryana CM said that a joint committee in both Punjab and Haryana to address various water management issues such as water availability, crop diversification, and DSR technology should be formed. 

He mentioned that a committee focused on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) has already been formed, chaired by the Chief Secretaries of both states. By broadening the scope of this existing committee, collaborative efforts can be undertaken to address broader water management concerns.

On the other hand, Punjab CM said that they have no water to spare and he had apprised Union Minister of Jal Shakti of the water situation of Punjab and they would also file a reply in Supreme Court on 4th January, 2024.

Meanwhile, on October 4, 2023, the Supreme Court passed a detailed order regarding the SYL canal, clearly stating that it is not related to the allocation of water. The issue is despite the decisions of the Supreme Court, Punjab has not completed the construction work of the SYL canal.