Punjab CM Mann proposes Chenab water diversion to end SYL dispute

Time of India

4 days ago

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant
Mann
on Wednesday outlined a solution to the contentious Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute by suggesting that Punjab be allocated additional river water by diverting water from Chenab and other western rivers, following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.
This surplus, he stated, could then be shared with
Haryana
and other states. Mann, however, ruled out Punjab's willingness to accept Haryana's demand to complete the SYL canal, adding that he complained about the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) alleged partisan role in the allocation of river water.
Speaking to the media after a meeting on the SYL issue with Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil in New Delhi, Mann said, "The meeting was on a serious issue of SYL.
While Punjab has no surplus water to share, they (Haryana) want the canal to be built," adding that the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere.
Reiterating that Punjab has no surplus water for any other state, Mann sought a share for the state in Indus waters and mooted the idea of a Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) canal instead of the SYL canal. He said that to cater to the demands of Haryana, a Sarda Yamuna link should be constructed to transfer surplus Sarda water to the Yamuna, and Chenab water can be diverted to the Beas through the Rohtang tunnel to eliminate the need for the SYL canal.
He said that proceedings with respect to the SYL matter may be kept in abeyance till the decision of the Ravi-Beas tribunal is awarded.
Mann highlighted a "glimmer of hope" arising from the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. He explained that while water from the Jhelum cannot be diverted to Punjab due to the absence of a channel, the state could potentially receive an additional 23 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water from the Chenab and Ravi rivers through existing infrastructure like the Pong Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, and Bhakra Dam.
"If Punjab gets an extra 23 MAF water, we have no problem in sharing it further with Haryana and even Madhya Pradesh," Mann affirmed, urging the Union Jal Shakti Minister to fast-track this proposal.
"We are fighting for a few MAF of water. If we get 23 MAF from the Chenab, the whole dispute will be resolved forever," he said. He added that the Sharda-Yamuna Link needs to be taken up on priority and surplus water be transferred to the River Yamuna at a suitable location.
He said that the additional water so available could offset the balance water requirement of the state of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the drinking water requirement of the capital city of Delhi and the availability of the Yamuna water to Rajasthan.
Mann said with this, the issue of the construction of the SYL canal could be shelved and put to rest forever.
Addressing the long-standing nature of the dispute, Mann remarked, "Saini Saab also gave his view. We have been fighting over what happened in 1971-72. We were not even born at that time. The issue will be settled if both states get water. For how long will we continue with these old wounds? Are we supposed to fight with Pakistan or Haryana?"
Mann announced that another meeting on the SYL issue has been scheduled for August 5, ahead of the court hearing on August 13.
When pressed on whether Punjab would agree to the construction of the SYL canal, Mann firmly stated that the notification for the canal land was already withdrawn and the land returned to farmers. He criticised the politicisation of water issues, advocating for education, health, and infrastructure to be the primary political concerns. He also highlighted that since the AAP govt took over in 2022, canal water utilisation in Punjab increased from 21% to 63%.
Reiterating his stance on the construction of the SYL canal, Mann affirmed, "There is no such issue. The idea is to end the dispute. Punjab and Haryana are like brothers. Time is the best healer. This issue has lingered on for a long time. While Punjab cannot give up its right on water, if the state gets more water, it can pass it on." When asked how water could be shared without completing the SYL canal, Mann replied, "A lot can happen.
"
Mann concluded by referencing the Prime Minister's statement that either "blood or water can flow." He expressed Punjab's eagerness to receive additional water from the Chenab, Ravi, and Ujh rivers following the Indus Water Treaty suspension, stating, "Punjab can again become the land of five rivers. Presently, water is going to those who are flowing our blood (Pakistan)."
Mann added that agreements and decisions of tribunals should be reviewed in light of changed circumstances and environmental developments, as international norms mandate a review every 25 years.
"Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state and reassessment of availability of water in the state is required as per international norms," he said.
'HARYANA IS PUNJAB'S BROTHER'
Emphasising the fraternal bond between the states, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann stated, "Haryana is not our enemy, we are brothers. We have relations in the neighbouring state. We are the inheritors of Bhai Kanhaiya's legacy." He reiterated that if Punjab receives the additional 23 MAF, it would significantly benefit agriculture in Punjab and then flow to other states like Haryana, but stressed that Punjab, as a riparian state, would retain the "first right" over the channel.
SLAMS BBMB OVER WATER ALLOCATION
The chief minister also raised a complaint about the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) with the union minister, questioning why Punjab, despite contributing 70% of food grains to the central pool, does not receive adequate water. "Are we supposed to grow food grains in flowerpots?" he asked, highlighting Punjab's substantial contribution of 185 LMT rice and 125 LMT wheat to the country.
He added that as a border state, Punjab should receive some form of compensation.
'SYL CAN LEAD TO LAW ISSUE'
Mann said that the SYL canal is an 'emotive issue' and Punjab will have serious law and order issues, and it will become a national problem, with Haryana and Rajasthan also bearing the brunt. He categorically said that land for the SYL canal is not available as of today.
'ALLOCATE WESTERN RIVERS WATERS'
Mann said that the waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on a priority basis and new storage dams upstream of the existing Bhakra and Pong Dams in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed. He said that this would enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. Mann also lamented the Centre's view that the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966 is silent about the Yamuna, as its waters were not considered shareable between Punjab and Haryana.
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