Chandigarh, August 12: Punjab and Haryana have made significant headway toward a mutually acceptable resolution regarding the decades-old Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal water sharing matter, the Supreme Court was informed. Attorney General R. Venkataramani presented updates before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, noting that both state administrations are actively fostering a common understanding.
The court proceedings center on an original suit initiated by Haryana in 1996 seeking the completion of the canal infrastructure to receive its designated allocation of Ravi-Beas river waters under the 1981 agreement. Legal representatives for both sides acknowledged that constructive negotiations have generated positive momentum toward ending the long-standing impasse.
“I must say that today we speak in a joint voice. Punjab is coming much closer. They have opened their heart much more than what they were talking last time,” Attorney General R. Venkataramani declared.
“Once the heart opens, the door also opens,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant noted.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal affirmed that substantial progress has been achieved in recent discussions between the stakeholders. The apex court agreed to a brief adjournment to allow the ongoing dialogue to proceed constructively without interruption.
The water-sharing framework traces back to agreements reached following the reorganization of states in 1966. While Haryana completed its designated canal section, construction on the Punjab portion faced prolonged legal and administrative delays over the years. With both states now engaged in collaborative consultation, legal representatives expressed optimism regarding a balanced outcome.
