Khaira Cautions CM Bhagwant Mann Against Any Commitment on SYL Canal or Punjab’s River Waters

Khaira Cautions CM Bhagwant Mann Against Any Commitment on SYL Canal or Punjab’s River Waters

Chandigarh/Jalandhar 27 Janunary ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Senior Congress leader and MLA from Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, today cautioned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann against making any commitment regarding the construction of the controversial Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal or sharing of Punjab’s river waters with Haryana during the ongoing negotiations being held under the supervision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

Khaira said that Punjab’s river waters are a highly sensitive and emotive issue linked directly to the state’s agrarian economy, federal rights, and future generations. He emphasized that Punjab is already facing a severe water crisis, with groundwater levels depleting at an alarming rate and several districts moving towards desertification.

“Punjab does not have even a single drop of surplus water to spare. Any move to concede Punjab’s rightful share under pressure or political considerations would be a historic betrayal of the state’s farmers and people,” Khaira stated. Khaira reminded the Chief Minister that previous governments in Punjab have consistently maintained that the state’s river waters are meant primarily for its own needs, especially in view of shrinking water tables, increasing population, and growing agricultural and domestic demand.

He further urged the Chief Minister to place Punjab’s stand firmly on record before the Supreme Court, based on scientific data, riparian principles, and the ground reality of water scarcity in the state. He stressed that no political understanding or backdoor commitment should be allowed to dilute Punjab’s long standing position.

Khaira also expressed serious apprehension over what he termed as the “growing proximity” between the Aam Aadmi Party leadership and the BJP-led Central Government, stating that the people of Punjab have a right to know whether any behind the scenes understanding exists on crucial issues like the SYL canal. He said that the silence and ambiguity of the Mann government on such a vital matter is creating suspicion among citizens and farmers alike. “The Chief Minister must come clean and categorically assure Punjabis that there is no secret deal or political compromise with the Centre that could harm Punjab’s water rights,” Khaira asserted.

“The Mann government must act with utmost responsibility and transparency. Punjab’s waters are not a bargaining chip for political mileage. The Chief Minister must assure the people of Punjab that their interests will be safeguarded at all costs,” Khaira added.

Khaira also called for an all-party meeting to evolve a united stand on the issue, stating that matters concerning Punjab’s natural resources should rise above party politics.