IEP Chandigarh
A meeting of the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab was held here today under the chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister Sh Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to address the issue of Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal (SYL). Sh Gajendra Singh 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.
During the meeting, when representing Haryana’s perspective, Mr. Manohar Lal asserted that the issues of constructing the SYL and distributing water are distinct. However, he pointed out that Punjab is stuck only on the construction of SYL issue, whereas we should collectively move forward on this subject. Mr. Manohar Lal highlighted that the Bhakhra Channel, presently in operation for approximately 66-67 years, is aging, and he underscored the crucial necessity for constructing the SYL to ensure the uninterrupted flow of water in the event of any future obstructions in this channel.
Sh Manohar Lal said that as per the agreement, Haryana is not getting its legitimate share of water but Haryana is managing the avail water at its own level. But despite these efforts, sufficient water is not reaching South Haryana and Aravalli region. Accordingly, as per the decision of the Supreme Court, if Punjab constructs SYL, it does not mean that we will snatch the water. In alignment with the Supreme Court’s decision, the construction of the SYL by Punjab does not imply an intention to forcibly acquire water, he added.
During his interaction with the media after the meeting, Sh Manohar Lal said that SYL meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, but ‘Mann’ doesn’t agree, (baithak manohar mahaul mein hui, lekin Mann hain ki mane hi nahi)on the issue of construction of SYL. He said that the issue of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) has been pending for several years. In the recent Supreme Court hearing, it was suggested that the Central Government, along with Haryana and Punjab, should collaboratively resolve the matter. Sh Manohar Lal conveyed that the Supreme Court has mandated the construction of the SYL. In today’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. Sh Manohar Lal also pointed out that Punjab also faces losses due to excess water, emphasizing the necessity of an alternative channel for the natural flow of water, thereby underscoring the importance of constructing the SYL.
Sh Manohar Lal 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.
He said that both Punjab and Haryana are facing issues of over-exploitation of groundwater due to the widespread use of tube wells. He expressed the belief that water is a fundamental need for everyone, and equitable distribution should be ensured. However, he also noted that obstructing the construction of the SYL is not the right approach to address these concerns.
Shri Manohar Lal stated that according to the agreement, Haryana is not receiving its complete share of water. During the meeting, the Punjab government acknowledged that some water is flowing into Pakistan, and they plan to redirect it by constructing a dam. From this perspective, it appears that Haryana’s rightful share of water has been inadvertently redirected to Pakistan.
In response to a question about the Punjab Chief Minister’s statement during the floods, Sh Manohar Lal commented that such statements are rather restrained and should be avoided. He emphasized that making such statements is not advisable.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the vision of connecting roads and rivers was articulated by former Prime Minister Sh Atal Bihari Vajpayee years ago. He suggested that the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) would not only address water distribution issues but also function as a crucial link in connecting rivers as per this visionary concept.
Haryana Advocate General, Sh. Baldev Raj Mahajan, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Advisor (Irrigation) to Chief Minister, Sh. Devender Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. V Umashankar, Commissioner and Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh. Pankaj Aggarwal, Secretary, Water Resources Department, Government of India, Smt. Debashree Mukherjee and senior officers from the Punjab Government also remained were present during the meeting.
