Water Wars: Haryana and Punjab Clash Over SYL Canal Dispute

Haryana's Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, has strongly criticized Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, for what he describes as politicizing the contentious Punjab-Haryana water dispute. Saini emphasized that the issue is fundamentally about access to drinking water and should remain free from political gamesmanship.

Accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of sidelining constitutional norms, Saini urged Mann to respect the High Court's ruling. He contended that the AAP has ignored the authority of constitutional institutions by not upholding the court's decision, signaling disrespect for the constitution.

In response to the Punjab and Haryana High Court's hearing of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal dispute, Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General, stated that the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) decision should be enforced without police interference. Meanwhile, Mann defended Punjab's position, criticizing the BJP for holding what he termed unconstitutional BBMB meetings and vowed to protect Punjab's water resources vigorously.

(With inputs from agencies.)