Chandigarh, February 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, while presenting Haryana’s interests before the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal, said that the final decision on the report submitted by the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal on 30th January 1987 should be made at the earliest so that Haryana can receive its rightful share of water without further delay.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting with the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal, which visited Chandigarh.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini extended a warm welcome to Justice Sh. Vineet Saran, Chairman of the Ravi and Beas Water Tribunal, Member Justice Sh P. Naveen Rao, and Sh. Suman Shyam on behalf of the 2.80 crore people of Haryana. He said that the Ravi and Beas Water Tribunal had submitted its report on January 30, 1987. Since that day, people of all ages in Haryana – from children to the elderly – have been eagerly awaiting a final decision on this matter.
The Chief Minister expressed his hope that the Tribunal would deliver a prudent and fair judgment, one that would be widely respected across the country.
He said that water conservation for future generations is not only a priority for India but has also become a global concern. To address this, comprehensive water conservation plans must be developed. He said that former Prime Minister Late Sh Atal Bihari Vajpayee had initiated plans to link rivers, a vision that is now being advanced by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. The Haryana government has also taken significant steps toward establishing a framework for river linkage.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the SYL issue remains critical for Haryana, with the Hon’ble Supreme Court ruling in Haryana’s favour. However, the state has yet to receive its rightful share of water from Punjab. He pointed out that Haryana has repeatedly raised the demand for its water share across multiple forums, but the Punjab government has made no progress on this matter. He expressed hope that the SYL issue would be resolved soon.
Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister of Haryana, Sh Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh Anurag Agarwal and the Advocate Generals of Haryana and Punjab were also present on this occasion.
