After 9 July regarding the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, there will be a meeting today again in Delhi under the leadership of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Haryana CM Union Water Power Minister CR Patil. In the meeting, there will be churning on the condition of the water of Ravi river kept by Bhagwant Mann. This
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Before the meeting, CM Mann and CM Saini hugged and welcomed each other. This was the first meeting of the CM of both the states led by CR Patil and in the positive atmosphere. Haryana CM also said that the meeting was meaningful. Punjab-Haryana is both brothers. Both have the same Behra (courtyard). Work is being done to find a way to this issue.
Punjab’s emphasis on Chenab and Ravi’s water
The CM of Punjab said that there is a hope from the meeting. After the Pahalgam attack, the water of the Indus Water Agreement canceled from Pakistan should be brought to Punjab. Jhelum water cannot come to Punjab, but Chenab and Ravi’s water may come. These water can come in Pong, Ranjit Sagar Dam and Bhakra Dam.
What is the problem with giving that water further to Haryana?
Haryana is our brother. We are the heirs of Bhai Ghannaiya, who gave water to the enemies. I told the minister that 23 million liters of feet (MAF) water will go from there. If we are fighting for two-three maf, then what will be the problem we will have? Two-four canals will be built in Punjab. This will make Punjab again a repairian. Minister Patil has given positive response to his point. However, Punjab’s stand is clear on the SYL issue.
Syl 212 km long
Earlier meetings were without results. The 212 km long canal has become 92 km of Haryana, while the construction of 122 km of Punjab is still incomplete. This meeting is an attempt to agree between the two states before the hearing in the Supreme Court on 13 August.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Haryana in January 2002 and ordered Punjab to be constructed canal, but in 2004, the then Chief Minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh passed the law in the assembly and canceled the 1981 agreement.
The first three times Meeting
The first meeting of the CM of Punjab and Haryana on this issue was held on 18 August 2020, while the second meeting was on 14 October 2022 and the third meeting on 4 January 2023. But no consensus could be formed on both sides.