Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira Issues Stern Warning to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on SYL Canal
In a significant development from Jalandhar, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Tuesday delivered a strong caution to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He warned against making any commitments regarding the construction of the controversial Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal or agreeing to share Punjab's river waters with Haryana. This warning comes amid ongoing negotiations that are being conducted under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court of India.
Punjab's Water Crisis: A Matter of Survival and Sovereignty
Khaira emphasized that the issue of Punjab's river waters is not merely administrative but is deeply sensitive and emotive. He connected it directly to the state's agrarian economy, federal rights, and the well-being of future generations. The Congress leader highlighted the severe water crisis currently gripping Punjab, pointing out several critical concerns:
- Groundwater levels are depleting at an alarming and unsustainable rate across the state.
- Multiple districts are reportedly moving towards desertification, threatening agricultural productivity.
- Punjab faces an existential threat to its water security, with no surplus water available for sharing.
"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 unequivocally.
Political Allegations and Call for Unity
Beyond the environmental and economic arguments, Khaira raised serious political apprehensions. He expressed concerns about a growing proximity between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership, which governs Punjab, and the BJP-led Central government. This alleged closeness, according to Khaira, could influence the negotiations on water sharing.
To safeguard Punjab's interests, Khaira called for an all-party meeting. He stressed the need to evolve a united stand on this critical issue, arguing that matters concerning Punjab's natural resources, especially water, must rise above partisan politics. This unified approach, he believes, is essential to protect the state's rights and resources during the Supreme Court-mediated talks.
The SYL Canal dispute remains one of the most contentious inter-state water sharing issues in India, involving Punjab, Haryana, and other neighboring states. Khaira's strong statements underscore the high stakes involved, framing the negotiations as a pivotal moment for Punjab's agricultural future and water sovereignty.
