Punjab has no water, SYL can't be constructed; Haryana shall seek PM's help: Bhagwant Mann

Chandigarh, October 14:Punjab on Friday refused to construct the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal citing the scarcity of water as the reason. Addressing mediapersons after a meeting with his Haryana counterpart Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at Haryana Niwas, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “Punjab cannot share waters with Haryana as it it is already difficult for the state to meet its own needs.” Also Read: SC delivers split verdict in Karnataka Hijab ban case Referring to water agreement signed in 1981, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said, “ Water agreements are usually revised after every 25 years, but this pact has been enforced for 41 years now, without any amendments despite many shifts in global climate. As directed by the honourable Supreme Court, a meeting was organized between CMs of both states but the conclusion is that Punjab is not in a situation to share its water tributaries anymore. Before the Partition of Punjab in 1966, the entire rights of the Yamuna waters were handed over to Haryana and the Sutlej, the Beas is all Punjab got. If they are not ready to share Yamuna waters with us, then how are we expected to share the Sutlej waters with them?” The Punjab CM said to clear any doubts, Haryana could always get the review of Punjab waters done. Earlier in 1981, when the water agreement was inked, it was possible to dig bore at 5-7 feet. However, the situation has changed today. Bhagwant Mann categorically advised his Haryana counterpart to seek the intervention of PM Narendra Modi to fulfil its need of water. “PM Modi can arrange water for Haryana from the Ganga, and the Yamuna that usually get flooded during rains,” said Bhagwant Mann. He reiterated that Punjab has no enmity with Haryana, but it did not have water to share. He said Narendra Modi looked after the entire nation. Morevover, it was the government of the BJP in Haryana. “ if both Punjab and Haryana approach PM modi on the issue, I’am sure he will try to find out a sollurtion, “quipped Bhagwnat Mann. He said Haryana could easily get water from the Yamuna or the Sharda. The water levels in the Sutlej, in the Beas had receded up to such an extent that these rivers had been reduced to ‘rivulets’. When the agreement was inked Punjab has 18.36 Million acre feet of water but now it has been reduced to 12.63 million acre feet water. While on the other hand, the water availability with Haryana was 14.10 million acre feet, added Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. Also Read: Punjab: Another arrest in Moosewala case as singer’s neighbour held from Amritsar airport Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that he would now submit his report to Union Water Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. “Now the Union Minister will decide whether to report it to the Supreme Court or call the meeting again,” said Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar after the meeting. -PTC News