Centre Holds Talks with Punjab and Haryana CMs to Resolve SYL Dispute

Punjab urged the Central Government to divert waters of the western rivers towards the state and Haryana to resolve the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal dispute permanently. The suggestion to utilize the suspended Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan to end the SYL dispute was discussed at a meeting led by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil, as directed by the Supreme Court for resolution by August 13.

Both the Union Minister and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini viewed Punjab's proposal positively. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the need to stop sharing waters with Pakistan and divert 23 million acre feet of Chenab waters to Punjab and potentially to Haryana and Madhya Pradesh to settle the dispute once and for all.

Feasibility studies on diverting waters from the western tributaries Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum towards Punjab and Haryana were proposed. The two CMs will meet again with the Jal Shakti Minister on August 5 to finalize the statement on the SYL issue for the Supreme Court, following the court's directive to resolve the matter.

Mann also raised concerns against the Bhakra Beas Management Board for allegedly taking control of Punjab's waters.