Over the course of nearly five decades, the contentious Satluj-Yamuna Link canal issue has lingered, unresolved and entrenched within the political landscapes of both Haryana and Punjab. Despite persistent attempts, whether through political maneuvering or legal recourse, a definitive resolution has remained elusive. Once again, the central government has stepped into the fray, aiming to facilitate a resolution.
Scheduled for December 28, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is set to convene discussions with the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab concerning the vexing canal matter. This meeting, anticipated to take place at 4 PM in Hotel Taj, Chandigarh, will also see the presence of senior officials representing both the central and state governments.
Despite a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court in favor of Haryana’s canal construction, the issue persists, unresolved. Haryana continues to advocate fervently for the construction of the canal, pressing pause on water-sharing negotiations with Punjab until the canal becomes a tangible reality.
In contrast, Punjab asserts a severe shortage of water resources, claiming an inability to spare any surplus for sharing purposes. Consequently, various political factions within Punjab stand unified in opposition to the canal’s construction. Given these firmly held opposing viewpoints, the potential outcome of Friday’s discussion remains shrouded in uncertainty. While Chandigarh gears up for discussions surrounding the SYL issue, Punjab’s farmer organizations prepare to stage protests against the meeting. They echo the concerns of the state government, emphasizing the critical absence of additional water reserves for allocation.
