Haryana-Punjab Deadlock: The Unfinished Saga of the Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal

The Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute between Punjab and Haryana remains unresolved. Haryana blames Punjab for stalling the project, which aims to distribute water from the Ravi and Beas rivers. Despite Supreme Court rulings favoring Haryana, the canal remains incomplete, influencing inter-state water allocation.

The enduring conflict over the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal between Punjab and Haryana continues to be a thorny issue, highlighted by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's recent remarks. Saini accused Punjab of hindering progress by not completing the canal, crucial for equitable water distribution from the Ravi and Beas rivers.

The longstanding project involves a 214 km canal, 122 km of which was to be constructed in Punjab. While Haryana has completed its portion, Punjab halted work decades ago, reportedly in 1982. The dispute saw the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Haryana, but the state still awaits its water share.

The impasse has been addressed in multiple forums, yet remains unresolved. Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, citing state water scarcity, argues against further allocation. The ongoing water tribunal session, chaired by Justice Vineet Saran, aims to mediate but has yet to reach a resolution.