Exorcising the SYL Ghost: Charting a Path Forward for Punjab's Waters

SYL Canal in News Again

As the SYL Canal issue resurfaces in the headlines¹, I'd like to redirect your attention to a video I shared in August 2021, just after my retirement from the IAS, capping a journey of 37 years of dedicated service. This video chronicles the tumultuous month of November 2016, a crucial period leading up to the 2017 Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections. The Supreme Court of India had then delivered a significant judgment against Punjab regarding the SYL Canal issue.

As the then Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) of Punjab, I was at the heart of the strategic decisions and actions taken to address the situation and prevent any severe repercussions. I invite you to revisit this critical chapter in Punjab's history and understand the intricacies of the SYL Canal dispute through my first-hand experience.

Developing Story— all pro-Punjab Political Parties Must Unite

Punjab has borne a heavy toll due to the River Waters issues. Its rightful privileges as a riparian state have been persistently eroded and redirected to both riparian and non-riparian states, all while sidelining both domestic and international law.

This matter isn't one where Punjab's political factions should engage in political manoeuvring or indulge in a blame-game. Instead, the moment calls for solidarity. It's an opportune time to present a unified stance and seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assistance to facilitate a mutually agreeable and fair resolution². However, there remains one inviolable principle: the SYL Canal shall not channel a single drop of water from Punjab to Haryana³.

"The River Waters Dispute: A Timeline of Punjab's Enduring Struggles with Injustice"

For those seeking a concise yet thorough overview of events from Independence up to the time of this video, please refer to the link provided in the footnote⁴.

1. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/supreme-court-asks-centre-to-survey-syl-canal-land-in-punjab-to-know-extent-of-construction-550362

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4. https://docs.google.com/file/d/1V8KiBf1uWZL_kYamBYlUIXQhr9dMuQq5/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword