Even as the long-standing dispute with Punjab over the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal remains unresolved, the Haryana government is moving ahead with a concrete plan to utilize the canal's infrastructure to address the water needs of its southern districts and adjoining regions.
A Dual-Purpose Water Management Strategy
According to sources within the state's irrigation department, the strategy is twofold. The primary goal is to channel water through the SYL canal to southern Haryana. Additionally, the plan involves diverting water from the Narwana Branch canal and the Markanda river into the SYL when necessary. This approach is expected to serve a dual purpose: boosting water supply for daily needs and mitigating flood risks from the Markanda river during the monsoon season.
Officials confirmed that a technical committee has already green-lit the proposal. The plan now awaits final approval from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The estimated cost for this significant water infrastructure project is pegged at Rs 50 crore.
Ambitious Targets and Major Renovation Work
The irrigation department has set an ambitious target of delivering approximately 10,000 cusecs of water daily to the water-scarce southern parts of the state. To achieve this, the supply will be split between two channels:
- About 6,500 cusecs will be routed through the SYL canal.
- Another 3,500 cusecs will be sent via the Narwana Branch canal.
Making this plan operational requires large-scale renovation of the existing canal network. Over the years, the capacity of these water structures has deteriorated significantly. A key focus will be rejuvenating the approximately 35-kilometre stretch of the SYL canal that lies within the boundaries of Kurukshetra district. The Rs 50 crore fund will be primarily spent here.
Investigations reveal that at several points, the canal's width has shrunk from its original 25 feet to just 15 feet. Furthermore, silt accumulation on the bed and overgrown bushes are severely obstructing water flow. The renovation aims to restore the canal to its designed capacity.
Addressing Past Challenges and Future Plans
The government has considered using this infrastructure for floodwater diversion for several years. However, the urgency was underscored last year when Punjab released only a limited amount of water from the Bhakra dam, intensifying Haryana's need for a reliable, alternative water management system.
Looking beyond the SYL plan, Haryana is also exploring another avenue to secure its water future. The state has a proposal to construct a dam upstream of the Yamuna river in the Yamunanagar area. This project is envisioned to tap into excess water, creating an additional reserve for the state's needs.
This proactive move by Haryana highlights its determination to find practical solutions for its water security, even as the inter-state legal battle over the SYL canal's completion continues in the background.
