In a pivotal meeting held in Delhi on August 5, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged the Central Government to leverage the waters of the Chenab River to resolve the long-standing water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana, while advocating for the permanent shelving of the contentious Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project. The meeting, convened by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, also saw participation from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, marking a significant step toward addressing the decades-old issue.
A New Approach Using Chenab Waters
Mann highlighted that the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, as announced by the Centre in a prior meeting on July 9, 2025, opens a unique opportunity to utilize the waters of the Chenab River—one of the western rivers previously allocated to Pakistan under the treaty. He proposed diverting these waters to existing Indian dams such as Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra, all located in Punjab or neighboring states. To facilitate this, Mann emphasized the need for new canals and infrastructure within Punjab to carry the additional water.
This infrastructure, Mann argued, would first address Punjab’s critical water needs, particularly in combating the state’s alarming groundwater depletion. Punjab currently faces a severe water deficit, with a total requirement of 52 million acre-feet (MAF) but only 26.75 MAF available (12.46 MAF from surface water and 14.29 MAF from groundwater). By prioritizing Punjab’s agricultural and domestic needs, the new canal system could then supply surplus water to Haryana and Rajasthan, potentially eliminating the need for the SYL canal.
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Why Scrap the SYL Canal?
The SYL canal, intended to transfer water from Punjab’s rivers to Haryana, has been a flashpoint for decades, with Punjab arguing it threatens the state’s already strained water resources. Mann described the canal as an “emotive issue” that could spark serious law and order challenges in Punjab, potentially escalating into a national crisis affecting Haryana and Rajasthan. He urged the Centre to abandon the project in favor of alternative solutions like the Chenab diversion and the proposed Sharda-Yamuna Link (YSL) canal.
Alternative Water-Sharing Solutions
Mann proposed two key alternatives to resolve the dispute:
- Sharda-Yamuna Link (YSL): Mann advocated for prioritizing the Sharda-Yamuna Link to transfer surplus Sharda River water to the Yamuna River, which could meet Haryana’s water needs without relying on Punjab’s Ravi-Beas system. This would also address Delhi’s growing drinking water demands and provide additional water to Rajasthan.
- Chenab-Beas Diversion via Rohtang Tunnel: By diverting Chenab water to the Beas River through the Rohtang tunnel, Punjab could bolster its water reserves while reducing dependence on the SYL canal.
Additionally, Mann called for new storage dams upstream of Bhakra and Pong in Himachal Pradesh to enhance the regulation and storage of western river waters. He stressed that Punjab, as a water-stressed state, should be prioritized in the allocation of these waters.
Punjab’s Case for Yamuna Waters
Mann also pushed for Punjab’s inclusion in the allocation of Yamuna River waters, referencing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) from May 12, 1994, which allocates Yamuna waters among Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. With the MoU set for review in 2025, Mann argued that Punjab should be recognized as a partner state and allocated 60% of the surplus Yamuna water to meet its agricultural and domestic needs.
Haryana’s Water Resources and the Way Forward
Mann pointed out that Haryana already benefits from significant water sources not accounted for in current allocations, including 2.703 MAF from rivers and streams like the Ghaggar, Tangri, Markanda, Saraswati, Chautang-Rakshi, Nai Nalah, Sahibi Nadi, Krishna Dhuan, and Landoha Nalah. He urged the Centre to consider these resources when determining equitable water-sharing arrangements.
Following the meeting, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini expressed optimism, noting that the discussions were held in a “cordial and cooperative atmosphere.” He highlighted that the talks built on progress made during the July 9 meeting and described the latest deliberations as a “significant step forward.” Saini affirmed that Haryana would present its case in a “positive and solution-oriented” manner before the Supreme Court on August 13, expressing confidence in achieving a fair resolution.
A Path to Sustainable Water Management
Mann emphasized the broader benefits of the Chenab diversion plan, particularly for Punjab’s agrarian economy. By reducing reliance on groundwater, the state could revive surface irrigation, support its farming community, and preserve groundwater reserves for future generations. The proposed infrastructure would also strengthen India’s water security by optimizing the use of western river waters.
As the SYL dispute nears a critical juncture, Mann’s proposal offers a forward-thinking solution that balances Punjab’s needs with those of neighboring states, potentially paving the way for a sustainable and equitable resolution to one of India’s most contentious water-sharing conflicts.
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