Jal Shakti Minister Meets Punjab, Haryana CMs Over SYL Dispute
There are many issues to do politics on but not water: Punjab Chief Minister Mr Bhagwant Mann
NEW DELHI: Union Jal Shakti Minister Mr C.R. Paatil on Wednesday held a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Mr Bhagwant Mann and Haryana CM Mr Nayab Singh Saini to help resolve the long-standing dispute of Sutlej-Yamuna Link between the two states. The two CMs came out satisfied and hopeful of a fast resolution on the dispute. They called each other “brothers” with whom there should be no dispute and if at all they have to fight, they should collectively utilise their energy in tackling Pakistan instead of fighting each other.
“Lot of politics has taken place on water. We don’t want to politicise water. There are many issues to do politics on but not water. Should we together fight Pakistan or Haryana?” said Mr Mann. “We are two brothers…Time is the best healer, Lot of time has already gone. While we won’t give away Punjab’s rights but when we get more water we can easily pass on whatever extra comes,” said the Punjab CM.
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini says, "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," said Mr Saini
Both states are under litigation on the SYL for a long time and the matter is listed next on August 13 in the Supreme Court. The main issue revolves around the equitable distribution of Ravi and Beas river waters, with Haryana seeking to complete the SYL canal to access its allocated share, while Punjab has resisted the project and opposed extra 4,500 cusecs of water given to Haryana by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The SC has asked Centre to mediate and help resolve the dispute. Both CMs expressed hope that the dispute will be resolved soon. They will again meet on August 5 to take the discussion forward and come with a joint proposal ahead of SC hearing.
During the meeting, Mr Mann urged Centre to make use of the suspended Indus Water Treaty (IWT) situation and divert water from the Chenab and Ravi rivers towards Pong Dam, Ranjeet Sagar Dam, and Bhakra Nangal Dam so that Punjab gets enough for its use.
"Today we had a very important meeting with the Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil and Haryana CM on the SYL project. This matter has been pending in the Supreme Court for a long time. We had a detailed and good discussion. 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 water from there, since Punjab is the channel, why will we have a problem in giving way to that water further?... I have urged Mr C.R. Paatil said that if we get 23 MAF (million acre foot) of water from there, we will use some of it and send the rest to Haryana," said Mr Mann after the meeting.
It is learnt that the ministry has taken note of the proposal by Mr Mann and will conduct feasibility studies on Jhelum and Ravi and see what levels of waters could be diverted towards Punjab and Haryana.
“The Union Minister and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini both viewed the proposal of Punjab positively… The talks took place in a very good atmosphere…We are from the place of Krishna who provided water to even enemies during battle. Here we have Haryana, which is not our enemy but our brother. We share so much with each other. We have our relatives in each other’s states and our roots are interconnected. We drink from the same bowl. I spoke to the minister (Paatil) to fast track it. If we get 23 MF some canals will be made to Punjab, the rest will go to Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. But being a riparian state, it is Punjab’s first right on water,” said Mr Mann.
He added that the two states give food to the country but do not get sufficient water for its crops. “Are we going to grow food in pots. We are border states too due to which we suffer a lot…” said Mr Mann.