The issue of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) has been pending between Haryana and Punjab since the last 55 years following the formation of Haryana in 1966. The Haryana assembly has on at least seven occasions passed resolutions urging the early completion of SYL canal but the scenario continues to remain the same increasing the problems of the state as the Southern parts along with the Mew Belts are still witnessing the acute shortage of water. In order to sort out the issue, a string of accords, boards along with committees were formed but no destination could be reached so far. In this series, the state government has passed a resolution in the assembly here on Tuesday. Besides, the state government had decided to move the Supreme Court following the consent of all factions during the special session.
While addressing the media and reacting to the issue, the Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal said that several committees, boards, and findings of concerned tribunals have upheld the decisions of Haryana regarding the water and directed the completion of SYL. The state government has put its best to have dialogue with the neighbouring state Punjab to bring the issue to an end but the situation remained the same. Further, he said that in wake of this, the state government has decided to have legal opinion over the issue and to move the Supreme Court following the same so that a timely hearing of the case can be processed.
It is pertinent to mention that the resolution passed pertaining to the issue contained that the Central Government should take measures for the construction of the Satluj Yamuna Link Canal in compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The house also urges the Central Government to prevail upon the State of Punjab to withdraw its case and permit the Hansi-Butana canal to be able to carry waters to water-deficient areas of the State of Haryana and equitable distribution. The house also urges the Central Government to ensure that the proportion earmarked for officers from the Government of Haryana to serve in the administration of the Union Territory of Chandigarh is continued in the same proportion as when the reorganisation of Punjab was envisaged. Further, the resolution stated that the recent amendment in the rules of the Bhakra Beas Management Board by the Central Government for the appointment of whole-time members goes against the spirit of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, which treats the river projects as common assets of the successor States of Punjab and Haryana.