Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Proposes Water Sharing From Indus Rivers Amid SYL Talks

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and Haryana Chief Minister to hold discussions on the long-standing Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue. The meeting was held against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings in the Supreme Court and rising regional tensions over water distribution.

Speaking after the meeting, Mann said, “Today we had a very important meeting with Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil 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.”

Highlighting a possible resolution, Mann referred to the Indus Water Treaty, parts of which have been held in abeyance, suggesting a reallocation of river water resources. “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,” he said.

He added that if Punjab receives an allocation of 13 MAF (million acre feet) of water through this route, the state is willing to share it. “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 C.R. Patil that if we get 13 MAF of water from there, we will use some of it and send the rest to Haryana,” he explained.