Relevance: GS-2 : Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure

Key Phrases: Riparian Principle, Eradi Tribunal, PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana - Per drop more crop, Drip Irrigation, National Mission on Millets

Why in News?

• Recently, a resolution seeking completion of the Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal (SYL) was passed by Haryana Vidhan Sabha
• This brings back into focus the contentious issue of sharing of river waters between Haryana and Punjab.
  • At least on seven occasions, this house has passed resolutions urging the early completion of the SYL canal.

The Shares

• Upon meeting and assessment, water flowing in the two rivers was assessed to be 15.85 MAF (Million Acre Feet) per year. This was divided amongst 3 stakeholders
  • 8 MAF per year to Rajasthan,
  • 7.20 MAF to undivided Punjab and
  • 0.65 MAF to J&K
• Post the reorganisation, Haryana was allocated 3.5 MAF out of 7.2 MAF
• In a reassessment in 1981, Out of 17.17 MAF,
  • 4.22 MAF was allocated to Punjab,
  • 3.5 MAF to Haryana, and
  • 8.6 MAF to Rajasthan

The Canal

• In 1982, then PM Indira Gandhi launched the construction of the SYL Canal with a ceremony in Kapoori village in Patiala district.
• But the Akalis launched an agitation in the form of Kapoori Morcha against the construction of the canal.
• This was followed by the signing of an accord between then PM Rajiv Gandhi and then Akali Dal chief Sant Harchand Singh Longowal signed for a new tribunal to assess the water.

The Tribunal

• The Eradi Tribunal recommended an increase in the shares of Punjab and Haryana to 5 MAF and 3.83 MAF, respectively.

The Canal and Militancy

• Series of violence:
  • In 1985, Longowal was killed by militants, less than a month after signing the accord.
  • In 1990, a chief engineer M L Sekhri and a Superintending Engineer Avtar Singh Aulakh were killed by militants.
  • Labourers were shot dead in Majat village near Chunni and Bharatgarh near Ropar.
  • This led to construction coming to a halt.
• In the backdrop of these incidents, Punjab leaders have been cautioning the Centre not to rake up the issue again, which could be misutilized by Pakistan and other secessionist groups

Punjab’s argument

• Issues of water availability:
  • As per Central Ground Water Authority report , many areas in Punjab may go dry after 2029.
• Overexploitation of groundwater:
  • Punjab produces Rs 70K Cr worth of paddy and wheat every year
  • About 79% of the state’s area is over-exploited.
  • Out of 138 blocks, 109 blocks are “over-exploited”, two blocks are “critical” , five blocks are “semi-critical” and only 22 blocks are in “safe” category. In such a situation, the government says sharing water with any other state is impossible.

Haryana’s claim

• Contribution to central food pool:
  • Which now will be jeopardised due to inability to provide water through irrigation
• Overexploitation of groundwater for irrigation:
  • With regions in Southern Haryana having water depleted up to 1700 feet

Way Forward

• Inter-State Council to mutually solve the contentious issues
• Not politicising the issue and aim for a solution which is beneficial to both states
• Adopting agriculture methods as per water availability
  • Micro irrigation methods (Under PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana - Per drop more crop) could be adopted
  • Drip Irrigation
• Growing crops which suit the Agro-climatic zone and avoiding water guzzling crops like paddy, wheat and sugarcane
  • National Mission on Millets can be helpful in this regards

Source: Indian Express

Mains Question:

Q. Explain the issue of Satluj Yamuna Canal Link? What are the claims of Haryana and Punjab and suggest a suitable way forward.