Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Seeks Share In Indus Waters
Participating in a meeting at Shram Shakti Bhawan in Delhi, the Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab's groundwater has been critically over-exploited, with 75% of its blocks declared overdrawn, and called for a comprehensive reassessment of the water availability in line with international norms.
Mr Mann strongly opposed the construction of the contentious Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and instead proposed an alternative - the Yamuna-Satluj Link (YSL) - which he said would better serve the needs of water-deficient regions without burdening Punjab.
He suggested that water from the Yamuna and Ganga should be diverted to Punjab, as the Satluj river has already dried up and cannot support any water-sharing commitments.
Highlighting Punjab's critical role in national food security, Mr Mann emphasised that the state has made extraordinary contributions, supplying nearly 47% of wheat and 24% of rice to the national pool in 2024. He stressed that this service to the nation must be compensated, especially as Punjab has exhausted its natural water and soil resources in the process.
The Chief Minister also proposed that the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by the Government of India should be used as an opportunity to utilise water from western rivers like the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. He advocated for constructing new dams upstream of Bhakra and Pong to better regulate and store water, ensuring Punjab receives priority in future river water allocations.
Further, Mr Mann recommended reviving the long-pending Sharda-Yamuna Link project. He explained that surplus water from Sarda could be routed to Yamuna and used to meet the water requirements of Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. This, he said, could eliminate the need for the SYL canal and help avoid potential law and order issues in Punjab, where the SYL remains a deeply sensitive issue.
Mr Mann also pointed out that while Punjab receives only 40% of the water from its rivers, the remaining 60% is allocated to non-riparian states like Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. He said Haryana already receives 5.95 Million Acre Feet (MAF) from Punjab's rivers, along with 4.65 MAF from the Yamuna and 1.62 MAF via the proposed Sharda-Yamuna Link.
With Punjab facing flood-related damages annually, the Chief Minister urged that the state should be compensated by partner states. He also called for a review of all past agreements and tribunal decisions every 25 years as per international environmental norms.
Finally, he demanded Punjab's inclusion in Yamuna water-sharing agreements post-2025 and emphasised that the YSL canal is a more sustainable and logical solution to North India's water crisis.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
41 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Anti-sacrilege bill tabled in Punjab assembly
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday tabled the anti-sacrilege bill in the Punjab assembly, proposing punishment up to life imprisonment for sacrilegious acts against religious scriptures. Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during the 3rd day of Punjab assembly session in Chandigarh on Monday. (Ravi Kumar/HT) Chief minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill 2025 in the Vidhan Sabha on the third day of the special assembly session. The bill mandates strict punishment, extending up to life imprisonment, for the desecration of holy scriptures. This is the third attempt by the Punjab assembly to enact a bill on sacrilege issues, seeking harsher punishment for perpetrators. In 2016 and 2018, the SAD-BJP government and later the Congress government, respectively, passed the bills in the assembly. On both occasions, the bills were returned by the President without assent. According to the draft of the bill, the minimum punishment for sacrilege will be imprisonment not less than 10 years, which may extend to life imprisonment, and shall also be liable to pay a fine of ₹5 lakh, which may extend up to ₹10 lakh. In case of an attempt to commit an offence, the act will carry a punishment of imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years. 'This term may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine which may extend up to ₹3 lakh,' the bill reads. The provisions of this act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, the draft reads. The 'offence' means any sacrilege, damage, destruction, de-facing, disfiguring, de-colouring, de-filing, decomposing, burning, breaking or tearing of any Holy Scripture, or part thereof, the bill introduced on Monday reads further. The bill says the offences punishable under this shall be cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, triable by the court of session. 'The investigation of the offence(s) punishable under this act shall be conducted by the police officer, not below the rank of deputy superintendent,' it adds. Upon the introduction of the bill, leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa described the issue as a serious one and urged speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to hold the discussion on the bill on Tuesday, the concluding day of the session. To this, CM Mann also asked the speaker to consider Bajwa's plea positively. 'However, it's a matter of surprise that the opposition needs time to discuss the issue of sacrilege which has been hounding Punjab since 2015,' Mann said. The speaker adjourned the session for 15 minutes before announcing that it had been decided to have a discussion on the bill on Tuesday. Before this, the speaker had adjourned the proceedings for one hour and called leaders of all parties in the assembly before the start of the discussion. Earlier, before the start of the session at 2 pm, the state-specific bill was cleared by the cabinet at a meeting chaired by chief minister Mann at his official residence in Chandigarh. The bill mandates strict punishment, extending up to life imprisonment, for the desecration of holy scriptures, including Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible and the Quran, an official spokesperson said after the meeting. With the enactment of the law, the state seeks to further strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood, peace, and amity. It will also act as a strong deterrent against anti-social and anti-national activities by ensuring severe punishment for perpetrators, the official spokesperson said. The spokesperson said there have been numerous incidents in the past involving the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and other scriptures, wounding public sentiments and causing unrest in society. While Sections 298 (hurting religious sentiments, carrying a jail term of 3 years, fine or both), 299 (outraging religious feelings carrying 3-year punishment, fine or both) and 300 (disturbing religious assemblies carrying 1-year jail, fine or both) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, address such issues, they do not prescribe sufficiently stringent penalties to serve as an effective deterrent, said the spokesperson. Considering the gravity of such offences and the imperative to preserve communal harmony and religious sanctity, the cabinet found it necessary to introduce state-specific legislation providing enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment, for those convicted of sacrilege against any scripture, the spokesperson stakeholder Until now, no specific legislation directly addressed offences against 'holy granths (books)', often resulting in leniency or evasion of serious action by culprits, said the spokesperson. This new legislation aims to fill that legal void by criminalising and prescribing punishments for acts of sacrilege across all sects and faiths. The spokesperson said there is also a provision for setting up special courts to deal with cases pertaining to desecration of scriptures. There will be no parole for those guilty of sacrilege acts. Mann had earlier said that the state government would seek the opinion of all stakeholders and religious bodies for the proposed legislation, indicating it would not be enacted immediately. 'We are drafting it. A law is going to be enacted. But for this, we will talk to stakeholders and religious organisations. We will present the draft legislation (in the assembly).' Past attempts This is not the first time that a specific law dealing with sacrilege acts has been brought in the state seeking a stricter punishment for perpetrators. In 2016, the then SAD-BJP government brought in the IPC (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016 and CrPC (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016, recommending life sentence for sacrilege acts against Guru Granth Sahib. The Centre later returned the bill, saying all religions should be treated equally given the secular nature of the Constitution. In 2018, the Amarinder Singh government passed two bills — the Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2018, and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2018, which stipulated a punishment of up to life imprisonment for injury, damage or sacrilege to Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Quran and the Bible. However, the two bills did not get the President's assent. Acts of sacrilege against religious scriptures have been an emotive issue in Punjab and there has been a demand from various quarters for stringent punishment for the acts of sacrilege against religious texts. In 2015, the incident related to the theft of a 'bir' (copy) of Guru Granth Sahib from Burj Jawahar Singh Wala gurdwara, putting up handwritten sacrilegious posters in Bargari and Burj Jawahar Singh Wala and torn pages of the holy book found scattered at Bargari, had taken place in Faridkot. These incidents had led to anti-sacrilege protests. In the police firing on anti-sacrilege protesters in October 2015, two persons were killed in Behbal Kalan while some persons were injured at Kotkapura in Faridkot. Regulating crusher units HT Correspondent letterschd@ Chandigarh The Cabinet also approved the Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, and Stockists and Retailer Rules, 2025, to ensure that crusher units, stockists, and retailers operate within a regulated framework. These rules have been formulated pursuant to the Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, and Stockists and Retailer Act, 2025, which was enacted to prevent the procurement of illegally mined sand and gravel by crusher units. The new rules define detailed procedures, prescribed forms, timelines, authorities, and compliance mechanisms to facilitate effective, transparent, and accountable implementation of the Act. They aim to eliminate ambiguity in operational processes, prevent royalty evasion and illegal mineral trade, and promote environmentally sustainable and legally compliant business operations. Furthermore, these regulations are expected to enhance transparency and curb illegal mining practices across the state.
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Appeal filed by Maulana Arshad Madani before IB Ministry seeking halt of 'Udaipur Files'
New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): A petition was filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani before the Delhi High Court seeking a ban on the Hindi movie 'Udaipur Files', which is based on tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teli's murder in Udaipur. The film was scheduled to be released on July 11. A day before its release, the Delhi High Court stayed the release of the film 'Udaipur Files' till the Centre decides the revision plea of the petitioners, including that of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President challenging the grant of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certification. Following the High Court's direction to file an appeal regarding the stay on the screening and reconsideration of the certificate issued by the Censor Board, Maulana Arshad Madani's lawyers on Monday submitted an appeal before the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It is expected that the Ministry may hold a hearing on this application in the coming days. Meanwhile, the film's producer, Amit Jani has challenged the Delhi High Court's decision in Supreme Court of India. On the request of the film producer's lawyer, Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi assured that the petition will be heard. Maulana Arshad Madani also filed a caveat in Supreme Court. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, will represent Maulana Arshad Madani in Supreme Court. In the petition submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on behalf of Maulana Arshad Madani, it has been stated that films like 'Udaipur Files' promote division within society and that the promotion of such a film will tarnish India's image globally. The petition further states that Hindus and Muslims have lived together peacefully in our country for centuries, and therefore, the screening of such films could pose a serious threat to communal harmony. It is emphasized that the entire film is based on hatred, and its exhibition could disturb the peace and harmony of the nation. The Government of India has also been reminded that in the past, India faced international embarrassment and condemnation due to the remarks made by Nupur Sharma. At that time, the Government of India had issued a diplomatic statement affirming that India respects all religions and communities and removed Nupur Sharma from her position as spokesperson as a consequence of her remarks. It was due to these actions that some of the mistrust toward India on international platforms was reduced, and the country's image saw a relative improvement. The Government of India has also been informed that the past and present conduct of the filmmaker, Amit Jani, is filled with instances of incitement and disruptive behavior. Secondly, the film presents fabricated content that has no connection with reality. It also depicts the character of Nupur Sharma, whose controversial statement sparked nationwide protests and international outcry. The petition further states that despite the removal of 55 scenes, the film still appears largely unchanged. It is argued that the promotion of this film could incite violence in the country. The petition emphasizes that this film is not in the national interest, and therefore, the certificate granted for its screening should be revoked. As per the Delhi High Court's directive, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting must hear Maulana Arshad Madani's appeal and deliver a decision within one week. In the meantime, the ban on the film's release will remain in effect. (ANI)
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Haryana CM Saini pays tribute to Swami Kalyandev Maharaj on his 21st death anniversary
Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 15 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has paid tribute to Swami Kalyandev Maharaj Ji on his 21st death anniversary at his Samadhi located in Shukdev Ashram, Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled a statue of Swami Kalyandev Ji Maharaj. Addressing the gathering of devotees on Monday, CM Nayab Singh Saini said, 'Today we have assembled on the sacred land of Maharishi Shukdev, situated on the holy banks of Maa Ganga. Bhagwat Peeth Shri Shukdev Ashram holds a special place in our hearts. This ashram is not only a spiritual center but also a symbol of education, service, and culture. The statue of Swami Ji will serve as a lasting inspiration, reminding future generations of his noble deeds, principles, and ideals.' CM Saini said that Swami Omanand Ji Maharaj is carrying forward the rich tradition of this ashram and, by following the path shown by Maharishi Shukdev Ji, is engaged in selfless social service with a spirit of devotion. Under Swami Ji's guidance, the ashram has made remarkable contributions in the fields of education, healthcare, and rural development. He further said that it was on this very land, thousands of years ago, that Maharishi Shukdev Ji Maharaj guided King Parikshit towards salvation by narrating the sacred Bhagwat Katha. 'Saint Kalyandev Maharaj dedicated his entire life to upholding and preserving the sanctity of this great pilgrimage site,' CM Saini said. Although born into a humble family, Swami Kalyandev Ji Maharaj's thoughts and actions were extraordinary. He renounced worldly attachments at an early age and embraced a life of spiritual pursuit. This sacred land is the Tapobhoomi (land of penance) of a great saint, visionary educator, and social reformer. The Chief Minister stated that Swami Kalyan Dev Ji dedicated his 129-year-long life to the pursuit of knowledge, education, and selfless social service, which he regarded as his true religion. This revered saint attained samadhi in the year 2004. 'Throughout his life, he established numerous schools, colleges, and Gurukuls to promote education. In addition to his contributions to education, Swami Ji actively opposed untouchability, caste discrimination, and other social evils, spreading a powerful message of love, equality, and brotherhood. In recognition of his exceptional and selfless service to society, the Government of India honoured Swami Kalyandev Ji Maharaj with the Padma Shri in 1982 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000,' he said. The Haryana CM said that the Swami Kalyan Dev Seva Trust has been established within the ashram to carry forward the legacy of service and compassion. 'Through various welfare initiatives, the trust extends support to the poor, the sick, and the underprivileged. It is actively engaged in the fields of education, healthcare, and social upliftment,' Nayab Saini said. CM Saini urged everyone to take a pledge to contribute towards building the India envisioned by Swami Ji. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released an Odia book on Shukdev Tirtha. He also announced a grant of Rs 11 lakh for the construction of Haryana Bhawan at Shukdev Tirtha. On this occasion, Swami Omanand Ji Maharaj, in his address, praised the humble nature and compassionate approach of CM Saini. He said, 'The Chief Minister shares a long-standing association with Shukdev Ashram. Swami Ji reflected on India's rich saintly tradition, stating that saints have played a pivotal role not only in awakening spiritual consciousness but also in advancing education, healthcare, and social upliftment across the country.' He said that the life of CM Saini is a reflection of strong moral values and unwavering dedication to public service. Citing the inspiring lives of Lord Buddha and Swami Vivekananda Ji, Swami Omanand emphasised that their devotion to the service of humanity should serve as a guiding light for all of us. He urged everyone to draw inspiration from their ideals and incorporate their values into daily life. On this occasion, Haryana Cabinet Minister Dr Arvind Sharma, Chairman of Shukdev Ashram Trust and former Health Minister ML Ranga, Rajya Sabha MP Ramchandra Jangra, MLA Mithilesh, along with the officials of the trust of the ashram, leaders and devotees from different places of the country were also present. (ANI)
