SYL canal dispute: Haryana and Punjab CMs agree on official-level talks, Mann calls for new water pact
PTC Web Desk: In another attempt to break the long-standing deadlock over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute, the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab held their third round of talks in Chandigarh on Tuesday. The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, focused on exploring possible solutions within the framework laid down by the Supreme Court.
After the discussions, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and his Punjab counterpart addressed the media jointly.
‘Positive atmosphere, meaningful dialogue’: Nayab Singh Saini
Haryana CM Nayab Saini said the talks were held in a constructive and cordial environment. He stated that whenever discussions take place in a positive atmosphere, meaningful outcomes are possible.
“The meeting was conducted as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Similar discussions were earlier held in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil as well. We have now agreed that officials from both states will continue dialogue at their level,” Saini said.
‘Haryana is not our enemy’: Bhagwant Mann
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann struck a conciliatory tone, stressing that Haryana is not an enemy. “This issue has been pending for decades. Haryana is our brother, not our enemy. We come from the land of Guru Bhai Kanhaiya, who offered water even to enemies,” Mann said.
He added that the dispute was inherited from earlier generations, but the current leadership should work towards resolving it. CM Mann clarified that officials from both states would now hold regular meetings without waiting for the next Supreme Court hearing.
While expressing hope for a resolution, he reiterated Punjab’s long-standing position on water availability. “What is the purpose of building a canal when there is no water? It would be better to first arrive at a fresh water-sharing agreement,” he said, underlining that no party’s legitimate rights should be compromised.
What was decided at the meeting
According to officials, both states agreed on the following steps:
Centre steps back from mediation
The Central government appears to be distancing itself from direct mediation. Despite conducting five rounds of talks between Punjab and Haryana under Supreme Court directions, no concrete outcome was achieved.
Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil has now advised both states to resolve the issue through mutual dialogue, assuring that the Centre would provide assistance if required.
Case nears final stage in Supreme Court
The SYL canal case is currently at an advanced stage in the Supreme Court. Haryana maintains that the canal is essential to secure its legal share of river water, while Punjab continues to argue that it does not have surplus water to share. Despite earlier court orders and repeated negotiations, the dispute remains unresolved.
- With inputs from agencies
