Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday asked the Central Government to divert water from western rivers like the Chenab to Punjab and Haryana to permanently solve the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue.
The suggestion was made during a meeting called by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil, following the Supreme Court’s directions. The court will hear the case again on August 13.
After the meeting, CM Mann said, “Why should water from our rivers go to Pakistan, a country that is shedding our blood? Why should we fight with Haryana when the real issue lies elsewhere?”
Mann said that about 23 million acre feet (MAF) of water from the Chenab River could be diverted to Punjab, Haryana, and even Madhya Pradesh. He believes this would end the water-sharing conflict once and for all.
The Central Government is considering the idea and may conduct feasibility studies on rivers like the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum to see if water can be redirected.
Mann also said that he, the Haryana CM, and the Union Minister will meet again on August 5 to prepare a joint statement for the Supreme Court.
He also raised concerns about the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), accusing it of taking over Punjab’s share of water.
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