Punjab Govt Moves Resolution on Additional Water to Haryana in State Assembly

A Deep Dive into the Water Dispute That Continues to Define Northern India's Inter-State Politics

Water is more than just a natural resource in India—it is a matter of survival, agriculture, identity, and politics. The latest resolution passed by the Punjab Legislative Assembly—firmly rejecting the idea of sharing additional water with Haryana—is a powerful reminder of how crucial water remains in shaping the relationships between Indian states.

As Punjab asserts that it has no surplus water to spare, the debate over the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal resurfaces, again stirring political emotions, legal friction, and environmental concerns.

What Did the Resolution Say?

The resolution, introduced on May 6, 2025, by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, categorically stated:

“Punjab does not have even a single drop of water to share with any other state. Our rivers are drying, our farmers are struggling, and groundwater has reached crisis levels. The demand for additional water from Haryana is unjust and unacceptable.”

This resolution received overwhelming support from legislators across party lines in Punjab, signaling rare political unity on a matter that touches nearly every household in the state.

A Brief History of the SYL Canal Controversy

The Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal was conceived in 1981 to allow Haryana access to water from the Ravi and Beas rivers via Punjab. The issue originates from the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966, when Haryana was carved out as a separate state. The central government had promised Haryana a share in Punjab’s river waters, but Punjab has resisted the implementation ever since.

Key milestones include:

• 1976: The center allocates 3.5 MAF of water to Haryana from Punjab's rivers.

• 1982: Indira Gandhi initiates the construction of the SYL canal by laying the foundation stone.

• 1990: The project halts after the assassination of a top engineer by militants, reflecting deep opposition from Punjab.

• 2004: Punjab enacts the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, nullifying all river water sharing agreements.

• 2016: The Supreme Court declares Punjab’s act unconstitutional, directing the completion of the SYL canal.

• 2025: Punjab once again affirms its firm refusal to part with any more water.

Punjab’s Water Woes: A Reality Check

Punjab, once called the "Granary of India," is now in the grip of severe water stress:

• 82% of Punjab’s blocks are over-exploited, according to the Central Ground Water Board.

• Punjab’s groundwater is depleting at an alarming rate of 0.5 to 1 meter annually.

• Over-dependence on water-intensive crops like rice has worsened the crisis.

• The desertification of southern Punjab—especially in districts like Bathinda, Mansa, and Fazilka—is on the rise.

Chief Minister Mann emphasized this in the Assembly, stating:

• "This isn't just a political issue. It's an existential crisis for our farmers, our future, and our environment."

The Human Side: Farmers Caught in the Middle

At the core of this dispute are the farmers of Punjab and Haryana, who are both victims of climate change, outdated irrigation methods, and state-level political decisions.

In Punjab:

• Farmers are increasingly digging deeper borewells—up to 900 feet in some areas.

• Electricity subsidies for tubewells are burdening the state treasury.

• Suicides related to crop failure and debt are tragically common.

In Haryana:

• Farmers argue they’ve been unfairly denied their rightful share of river water.

• The southern districts of Haryana—like Mahendragarh and Rewari—depend heavily on canal irrigation.

The standoff reflects a grim irony—two states, both agrarian, are fighting over a resource neither has in surplus.

Legal Implications: A Ticking Time Bomb

The Supreme Court has repeatedly intervened in the SYL matter, most notably in:

• 2016, when it called Punjab’s termination of agreements unlawful.

• 2023, when it again urged Punjab to construct the canal.

However, Punjab has argued that environmental changes since the 1970s justify a review of water-sharing agreements, which were based on outdated data.

Legal experts note that

• The Constitution gives water-sharing powers to states, but river waters also fall under the purview of interstate and national interest, often leading to legal grey zones.

• The central government may invoke Article 262 or the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act to intervene, though such attempts have largely failed to produce permanent solutions.

Political Ripples: A Game of Balancing Acts

• Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is under pressure to protect regional interests while also maintaining its party’s pan-India image.

• Haryana’s BJP government sees this as a betrayal and may leverage the issue politically in upcoming elections.

• The Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab also back the resolution but criticize AAP for not proactively finding alternative water solutions.

With Lok Sabha elections approaching, water politics is likely to take center stage once again.

The Way Forward: Is There a Solution?

Experts suggest that instead of focusing solely on interstate water transfers, the government should

1. Invest in water-saving technology—promote drip irrigation, precision farming, and solar-powered pumps.

2. Encourage crop diversification—shift away from paddy to less water-intensive crops like maize, pulses, and vegetables.

3. Create a modern water accounting system—India lacks transparent, real-time data on river and groundwater resources.

4. Establish a federal water council—similar to the GST Council—to mediate and resolve interstate disputes with a long-term vision.

Punjab’s resolution on additional water to Haryana is not just a local issue—it's a national challenge that reflects the urgency of rethinking India’s water governance model. The future depends on cooperation, sustainable use, and empathy—not confrontation.

Punjab has made its stance clear: “We can’t give what we don’t have.” But for the nation, the larger question remains—how do we balance state rights with shared responsibilities in a water-starved future?

Fuel our creativity with a cup of coffee! ☕️❤️❤️❤️