The Supreme Court recently heard the long-standing dispute between Haryana and Punjab over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Although the court has already ordered Punjab twice to construct the canal, the issue remains unresolved.

Haryana’s lawyer, senior advocate Shyam Divan, told the court that there are no legal hurdles left and that officials have been appointed to deal with the matter. He said that even after the court’s decision, attempts were made to resolve the issue through talks, but they failed. He also pointed out that Punjab is not releasing water.

In response, Punjab’s lawyer, Advocate General Gurminder Singh, said that the court’s earlier decision was about giving Haryana additional water, and the construction of the canal is still pending. He also noted that the question of Haryana’s right to more water is still being reviewed by a special water tribunal.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing Haryana, told the Supreme Court that the issue is no longer just about water but about Punjab’s refusal to cooperate. He said that the Punjab Chief Minister has publicly stated they will not support the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and that talks have failed despite efforts since 2016.

In response, Justice BR Gavai pointed out that, according to an affidavit, both Chief Ministers had earlier agreed to mediation and showed willingness to resolve the matter. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on May 6 that Haryana had already used more than its share of water about 103% by March, and was reminded in advance that its quota would soon be used up, according to a PTI report.

About Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal case

The Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal case is a long-standing dispute between Punjab and Haryana over the sharing of river water. In 1981, both states signed an agreement to share water from the Sutlej and Beas rivers. As part of this agreement, a canal called the SYL canal was to be built, with each state responsible for constructing the part that falls within its territory. The goal was to help transfer water from Punjab to Haryana.

However, Punjab has refused to build its portion of the canal, saying it doesn’t have enough water to share and needs it for its own farmers. In 2004, Punjab passed a law to cancel all its water-sharing deals with other states, including the SYL agreement, which made the situation even more complicated.