National Times Bureau, July 9, 2025 — Hopes have revived for a possible resolution of the decades-old Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute after an important meeting held in Delhi today between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said, “We had a proper discussion with all the members, and this issue should be resolved. The same was said by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and good results will come out of it.”
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann described the discussion as detailed and significant, stressing that the matter has been pending in the Supreme Court for a long time. He highlighted the possibility of sourcing water from other rivers, noting the impact of changes in the Indus Water Treaty.
“Today we had a very important meeting with Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Patil and Haryana CM on the SYL project. This matter has been pending in the Supreme Court for a long time. We had a detailed and good discussion,” Mann said.
He further explained, “Since the Indus Water Treaty has been held in abeyance, we can receive water from the Chenab and Ravi rivers in Pong Dam, Ranjeet Sagar Dam, and Bhakra Nangal Dam. If we get water from there, since Punjab is the channel, why will we have a problem in giving way to that water further?”
Mann added that he has urged Union Minister C.R. Patil that if Punjab receives 13 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from these sources, the state would use a portion and send the rest to Haryana.
The SYL canal, intended to connect the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers, has long been a point of dispute between Punjab and Haryana over water-sharing arrangements. Today’s meeting appears to mark a significant step towards a negotiated solution, though concrete agreements remain pending.
Talks on Sutlej-Yamuna Link Gain Momentum as Punjab and Haryana CMs Discuss Solutions
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