SYL Dispute Resolution Soon: Union Min CR Paatil Assures

A day after Punjab and Haryana chief ministers held a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister Mr C.R. Paatil to resolve their long standing dispute on Sutlej Yamuna Link, the union minister expressed hope for an early resolution to the case.

With time running out due to Supreme Court deadline approaching for next hearing on August 13, Mr Paatil said that both parties have agreed to move forward with a solution-oriented approach and the Centre, which is playing the role of a mediator, is committed to assisting both states in finding a balanced solution to the dispute.

Mr Paatil, who chaired the discussions, said the Centre is providing all possible cooperation to both states for the equitable and coordinated management of water resources.

During the meeting, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann urged Centre to make use of the suspended Indus Water Treaty (IWT) situation and divert water from the Chenab and Ravi rivers towards Pong Dam, Ranjeet Sagar Dam, and Bhakra Nangal Dam so that Punjab gets enough for its use. It is learnt that the ministry has taken note of the proposal by Mr Mann and will conduct feasibility studies on western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab and see what levels of waters could be diverted towards Punjab and Haryana.

Officials said further technical-level discussions are likely to follow, with both states showing a willingness to continue talks under the Centre's guidance. The next meeting is scheduled in August where the discussions would be further taken forward, a senior official said.

In Delhi, a significant meeting was held regarding issues related to the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, is committed to assisting both states in finding a balanced solution. In the meeting, all parties engaged in open dialogue and expressed agreement to move forward with a solution-oriented approach," Mr Paatil said in a post on X.