Punjab, Haryana CMs Hold Positive Talks on SYL Canal Dispute, Agree on Frequent Official-Level Meetings

Amid the long-standing dispute between Punjab and Haryana over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, a crucial meeting of the Chief Ministers of both states was held in Chandigarh on Tuesday. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met face-to-face and discussed the sensitive water issue in detail. Significantly, after the meeting, both Chief Ministers appeared together before the media and described the discussions as positive. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that this issue has been ongoing for a long time, or rather, it has been pending. He added that the words of the Gurus guide us. We are the heirs of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, who even gave water to the enemies during the war. Haryana is not our enemy; it is our brother. Noting that the water issue is limited to Punjab and Haryana alone, Bhagwant Mann said that in the future, water will become a major issue for the entire world. Managing and distributing water will be a major challenge in the future. The SYL issue is also linked to this, and therefore, it is important to resolve it wisely.

He said that both sides presented their respective positions in the meeting. Now, the situation is such that there is no need to even consult papers, as they have the issue memorized well. He jokingly said that whenever he meets the Chief Minister of Haryana at any event, the discussion revolves around what to do, how to do it, and what solution will be found.

Bhagwant Mann said that today it has been decided that meetings at the official level will be held more frequently. There will be no waiting for the Supreme Court's date. He said that both the Supreme Court and the Central Government have directed that Punjab and Haryana sit together and discuss and find a solution. In fulfillment of this responsibility, officials can now meet three to four times a month.

He also said that sometimes, in high-protocol meetings, officials are unable to express their views openly. Therefore, efforts will now be made to ensure that officials discuss openly among themselves, prepare their reports, and inform both Chief Ministers about what happened in the meeting. After that, if necessary, discussions can be held over the phone. It's not necessary to hold a large meeting for every issue.

Bhagwant Mann said that our elders also used to resolve disputes or divisions in the same way. The two parties were seated and a dialogue was held, and a solution was reached through mutual understanding. He said that now there are new generations in power, and we should also resolve the issue in this manner. He believes that it would be best if this issue is resolved.

He clearly stated that he does not want anyone's rights, neither Punjab nor Haryana, to be violated. The two states are brothers, having separated in 1966. Now the water issue is ongoing, and if it is resolved wisely, it will benefit both states and the country.

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, while speaking to the media, said that this land has been the land of Gurus, and the words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji still guide us all. He quoted Guru Nanak Dev Ji's lines, "Pawan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharti Mahat." He said that this verse teaches us how important air, water, and earth are, and that we should respect them. With this in mind, today's meeting was held in a positive atmosphere.

Nayab Singh Saini said that the talks took place in a very positive atmosphere, and when discussions take place in a positive atmosphere, they yield positive results. He explained that it was decided in this meeting that the process would be furthered in accordance with the Supreme Court's guidelines. Previous talks between the two sides were held under the chairmanship of Union Minister C.R. Patil, and the atmosphere there was also positive. Today's meeting also agreed that in the future, both states would hold regular official-level meetings. Whatever conclusions the officials reach will be presented to the two Chief Ministers, and further decisions will be taken.