Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal
Recently, a dispute has arisen between Punjab and Haryana over river water, and the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.
Haryana Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution demanding completion of (SYL) canal.
Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal:
- It is a proposed 214 km long canal connecting the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers. Its plan was made in the year 1966 after the formation of Haryana State separate from Punjab. In this, it has been proposed to provide Haryana the average annual share of additional water of Ravi-Beas.
- Haryana had completed the construction of its share of this canal only in the year 1980, whereas Punjab has been delaying the construction of its share of canal on the pretext of non-availability of additional water.
- The Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal will help in overcoming the water scarcity in the southern parts of Haryana.
- A report based on a study by the Punjab government has expressed concern that most of the groundwater sources in Punjab will dry up by 2029 due to over-exploitation of groundwater.
Mechanism for resolution of inter-state water disputes:
Article 262: It enables Parliament to resolve disputes with respect to the use, distribution or control of waters of an inter-state river or river basin.
Inter-State River Water Disputes Act: BISWD, 1956: Under this provision has been made for the establishment of tribunals for adjudicating any inter-state river dispute. The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced to amend the 1956 Act.
Source – The Hindu
