Punjab's Water Crisis: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Calls for Fair Share from Indus Waters

Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has declared that the state has no surplus water to share with others and is demanding its rightful share of the Indus waters. He proposed a new canal project and emphasized the need for a reassessment of water availability. With the groundwater situation worsening, Mann highlighted the importance of prioritizing Punjab's water needs, especially in light of the recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This situation opens up opportunities for better utilization of water resources from western rivers to meet the state's growing demands.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 9, 2025, 22:34 IST

Punjab's Urgent Water Needs

New Delhi: On Wednesday, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that the state lacks excess water to share and insisted on securing its rightful portion of the Indus waters.

During a meeting at Shram Shakti Bhawan regarding the SYL canal, Mann proposed the creation of a Yamuna Satlej Link (YSL) canal as an alternative to the existing Satlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.

He highlighted the urgent need for a reassessment of Punjab's water availability based on international standards, stating that the state cannot afford to share its limited water resources.

Mann pointed out the dire groundwater situation in Punjab, noting that many river resources have dried up, necessitating additional water for irrigation.

The chief minister remarked that the little water available is currently allocated to farmers, leaving no room for sharing with other states.

He also mentioned that the recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan presents an opportunity to address Punjab's water requirements.

Mann urged for efforts to channel water from the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to meet the increasing demands of the state.

He stressed that India's decision to halt the water treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack could lead to better utilization of these western river resources.

Mann concluded by asserting that Punjab's groundwater depletion must be prioritized in any future plans regarding the management and allocation of river waters.