Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Supreme Court Pushes Punjab and Haryana Toward Resolution in SYL Canal Dispute

The Court clarified its status quo order, directed cooperation with the Centre, and set an August 13 deadline for progress in the decades-long conflict.

Overview

  • The Supreme Court heard the 1996 suit filed by Haryana against Punjab over the incomplete Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project.
  • Punjab and Haryana were directed to cooperate with the Union government for an amicable resolution, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for August 13 if no progress is made.
  • The Court clarified that its status quo order applies only to land needed for the main canal construction, not Punjab's internal irrigation network.
  • Haryana emphasized that the dispute centers on executing the 2002 Supreme Court decree requiring Punjab to complete its portion of the canal, not on water sharing.
  • Punjab reiterated its opposition to the water-sharing arrangement, citing overuse by Haryana and calling for reforms to the Bhakra Beas Management Board.