Punjab, Haryana CMs Hold Positive Talks on SYL Canal Dispute in Chandigarh

Chandigarh witnessed a significant meeting between the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana to address the longstanding Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal water-sharing dispute. The talks, held on Tuesday in the shared capital, were described as positive by both leaders, who agreed to continue discussions at the official level in the near future.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann acknowledged the issue has remained unresolved for many years. He stated, “I shared my views, and Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini shared his. We have decided that officials will meet repeatedly and not just wait for the Supreme Court hearing dates. The Supreme Court and the Centre have urged us to engage in dialogue. People of Punjab and Haryana have entrusted us with their responsibilities, and we want this matter to be resolved.”

Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini said, “Following the Supreme Court’s directives, we met and had a meaningful discussion. Earlier, we also held talks chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, which were positive. Today’s meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere. We resolved to continue official-level talks, and any solutions emerging will be shared with us for further action.”

Officials present confirmed the meeting lasted about 30 minutes, during which both leaders expressed commitment to advancing the ongoing positive dialogue. Senior officials from both states, including Haryana’s Irrigation Minister Shruti Chaudhary and Punjab’s Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, attended the meeting.

An official informed that the next round of discussions would take place at the secretary level in both states, with further steps planned within the next fortnight.

In the previous round of talks on August 5, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Mann had appealed to the Centre to resolve the SYL canal issue by optimally utilising water from the Chenab river, which could help settle the long-pending water dispute with Haryana. He highlighted that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan opens opportunities for India to use Chenab waters more effectively.

The SYL canal dispute, ongoing since the 1980s, remains a sensitive issue between Punjab and Haryana. Following a July 9 meeting chaired by the Union government, positive steps were reported by both states’ leaders, with Haryana CM emphasizing progress made in discussions.

Last November, CM Mann had also raised concerns at the Northern Zonal Council meeting about other states allegedly violating Punjab’s rights over river waters. He stressed the importance of real-time water availability assessments and firmly stated that Punjab’s government is committed to protecting the state’s interests.

Addressing Haryana’s objections, Mann criticized its leadership’s demand to avoid mini-hydroelectric projects on Punjab’s Bhakra Main Line, calling such claims baseless and lacking factual support.

The recent meeting in Chandigarh signals a renewed commitment from both Punjab and Haryana to resolve the SYL canal dispute through dialogue and cooperation, following Supreme Court and central government guidance.