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Punjab CM Mann proposes Chenab water diversion to end SYL dispute
Punjab CM Mann proposes Chenab water diversion to end SYL dispute

Time of India

time3 days ago

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Punjab CM Mann proposes Chenab water diversion to end SYL dispute

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. MSID:: 122346738 413 |

Punjab govt withdraws Channi-era decision to hand over Bhakra Beas Dam security to CISF, announces 3,600 special educator posts
Punjab govt withdraws Channi-era decision to hand over Bhakra Beas Dam security to CISF, announces 3,600 special educator posts

India Gazette

time5 days ago

  • Politics
  • India Gazette

Punjab govt withdraws Channi-era decision to hand over Bhakra Beas Dam security to CISF, announces 3,600 special educator posts

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], July 8 (ANI): Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday said the state government has reversed a key decision taken during the previous Congress regime regarding the security of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). While talking to ANI, Cheema said, 'During the Congress party's tenure, a letter was issued agreeing to hand over the security of the Bhakra Beas Management Board, and the then Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had said that the security of the Bhakra Beas Dam would be handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Today, we have withdrawn that decision.' He added that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government would also bring the matter before the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Cheema also announced a series of developmental initiatives, including large-scale recruitment for special education and the promotion of traditional sports. He said that the state cabinet has approved the recruitment of 3,600 special educators to teach children with special needs. 'We have announced 3,600 vacancies to teach them. In the coming time, recruitment will be done for these vacancies, and we will educate those children well so that they can contribute to society,' he said. The minister also highlighted the establishment of two new universities in the state and spoke about legislative steps taken to promote traditional rural sports. 'Regarding the bullock cart race organized at the Kila Raipur Sports Festival, we have also made a new law. In the coming time, this sport will be held across Punjab,' Cheema added. The announcements come amid the government's push to boost employment, strengthen regional traditions, and assert state control over key infrastructure. Earlier, Cheema was appointed as to leader of the 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee to monitor the war against drugs. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug-free state. Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 96 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 488 locations across the state leading to the registration of 84 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 505 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added. (ANI)

HP: Downpour, landslide in Solan; Shimla-Kalka rail line shut, traffic disrupted on NH
HP: Downpour, landslide in Solan; Shimla-Kalka rail line shut, traffic disrupted on NH

Hindustan Times

time29-06-2025

  • Climate
  • Hindustan Times

HP: Downpour, landslide in Solan; Shimla-Kalka rail line shut, traffic disrupted on NH

Shimla, Services on the Shimla-Kalka rail line were suspended on Sunday after boulders and trees fell on the tracks following overnight rains in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district while a landslide on the national highway disrupted traffic for hours. HP: Downpour, landslide in Solan; Shimla-Kalka rail line shut, traffic disrupted on NH A bridge in Solan's Barotiwala industrial area was washed away. A landslide near Koti on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway , connecting Shimla and Chandigarh, damaged some stretches of the road, resulting in a two to three-km-long traffic jam for hours. Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh on Sunday said two-way traffic has been restored near Chakki mod on NH 5 which was damaged due to landslides and police teams facilitating traffic movement. An alternative route via Jangeshu road is also closed due to fallen debris, which is being cleared, the SP said, adding that the traffic from Kasauli towards Chandigarh will be diverted via Jangeshu once it gets cleared. The train service on the Shimla-Kalka railway line a UNESCO world heritage was disrupted on Sunday as boulders and trees fell on the track near Solan's Koti area after heavy rain. The repair work is underway, officials said. The first train arriving in the morning is stuck at Koti railway station, while other trains have been halted at Gumman and Kalka. Videos of passengers, waiting for hours, expressing their anger are also surfacing online. Stones, trees and debris have fallen at various places not only in Koti but also till Shimla. A bridge on the road leading to Himuda Complex near Truck Union in Barotiwala industrial area of Solan district has been washed away and the road to Himuda Complex Mandhala and Bagguwala has been closed. Bald River in the Baddi area of the district is on surge and taking a fierce form near Jhadmajri. A threat of damage in the surrounding areas looms as continuous rains are going on for hours. Reports of water upto four feet entering over 20 houses in Shivalik Nagar in Jhadmajri in the Baddi industrial area has also poured in. Due to a lack of proper drainage, this problem is an annual affair during rains. The locals have informed the administration about the incident. Meanwhile, the water level in Mandi's Juni Khad and Beas River has increased and the local administration has appealed to people not to go to the river bank and stay alert. Due to pre-monsoon flushing in Larji Dam, all five spillway gates of Pandoh Dam were opened on Sunday morning resulting in an increase in water level in Beas River. About 44,000 cusecs of water is flowing in the Beas river, the silt level has increased to 4,000 ppm and the Baggi tunnel has been closed for the time being due to which power generation in Dehar Power House has been temporarily stopped, Bhakra Beas Management Board officials said. Jogindernagar received 135 mm of rains since Saturday evening followed by Kasauli 125 mm, Hahu 119.5 mm, Poanta Sahib 116.8 mm, Bijahi 102 mm, Sundernagar 96 mm, Ghaghas 92 mm, Shimla 91 mm, Kufri 89 mm, Bilapsur 86.6 mm and Solan 85.6 mm. Meanwhile, Dharampur recorded 84.2 mm of rain, Sujanpur Tira 79.8 mm, Pandoh 68 mm, Nagrota Suriyan, 65.2 mm, Chopal 60 mm, Gohar and Murari Devi 60 mm each, Kangra 53.8 mm and Jatton Barrage 51 mm. The local met office has issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas of the state on Monday and predicted a wet spell in the state till July 5. It also cautioned of moderate to high flash floods risk in parts of 10 districts Bilapsur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Una till Monday. Rain-related incidents have claimed 17 lives in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of monsoon in the state on June 20, while four persons are missing, according to the state emergency operation centre. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

Correct historical wrong, give Himachal 12% free power from BBMB projects: Sukhu to PM
Correct historical wrong, give Himachal 12% free power from BBMB projects: Sukhu to PM

Time of India

time23-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Correct historical wrong, give Himachal 12% free power from BBMB projects: Sukhu to PM

Shimla: Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought 12% free power from all Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects in favour of the state. In a letter to PM Narendra Modi Monday, Sukhu pointed out that while all the hydropower projects approved by the state govt are providing free power, BBMB ones are not contributing any free power to the state. This, he said, despite the fact that the vast hydropower potential of Himachal was taken away with the setting up of BBMB projects. "The state suffered and did not get its due. This historical wrong can be corrected now with your intervention by providing 12% free power from BBMB projects to Himachal Pradesh," reads the letter. In a separate letter to Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Sukhu urged him to direct Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) to provide one percent additional free power over and above the free power from Nathpa Jhakri Power Project for the local area development fund, along the lines of Rampur Power Project of SJVNL, in the larger interest of families affected by the project. Sukhu also requested Khattar to ensure representation for Himachal Pradesh in BBMB by appointing a whole-time member from the hill state. In the letter, he stated that despite repeated requests at various levels, the state has not received its rightful representation as a whole-time member in the BBMB. Sukhu also wrote a letter to his Haryana counterpart, Nayab Singh Saini, stating that Haryana should convey in writing its consent to provide BBMB energy arrears of its share with six percent interest before the next date of hearing in the court. Haryana, along with Punjab, shares energy arrears of 13,066 million units from Nov 1966 to Oct 2011, as of October 31, 2011, from BBMB, which can be given over a period of 15 years to Himachal Pradesh at the rate of 871 million units per year. "A resolution on this matter would enable both our states to move forward on the projects in the pipeline and also projects under consideration to address the needs of Haryana," he wrote.

Himachal CM seeks 12% free power from BBMB projects, writes to Prime Minister
Himachal CM seeks 12% free power from BBMB projects, writes to Prime Minister

Hindustan Times

time23-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Hindustan Times

Himachal CM seeks 12% free power from BBMB projects, writes to Prime Minister

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has demanded 12% free power from all Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects in favour of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (FileR) In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM pointed out that while all the hydro power projects approved by the state government are providing free power, BBMB projects are not contributing any free power to the state. He wrote, 'The State has suffered and did not get its due. This historical wrong can be corrected now with your intervention by providing 12% free power from BBMB projects to Himachal Pradesh.' In separate letter to Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the CM has urged him to direct SJVNL to provide 1% additional free power over and above the free power, from Nathpa Jhakri Power Project for the local area development fund on the analogy of Rampur Power Project of SJVNL in the larger interest of affected families by the project. Sukhu has also requested the power minister to ensure representation to Himachal Pradesh in the BBMB by appointing a whole time member from Himachal. In the letter, he said that despite repeated requests at various levels, the state has not received its rightful representation as whole time member in the BBMB. The CM has also written a letter to his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini, stating that Haryana shall convey in writing for giving consent to provide BBMB energy arrears of his share with 6% interest before the next date of hearing. Haryana along with Punjab share energy arrears of 13,066 million units from November, 1966, to October, 2011, as on October 31, 2011, from BBMB, which can be given over a period of 15 years to Himachal Pradesh at the rate of 871 million units per year. He said, 'A resolution on this matter would enable both our States to move forward on the projects in pipeline and also projects under consideration to address the needs of Haryana.'

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