Punjab BJP resolves to oppose SYL canal construction

BJP's Punjab unit opposes construction of SYL canal, accuses ruling AAP of betraying people of Punjab. Resolution demands CM Bhagwant Mann to protect vital interests of Punjab or quit. BJP to make every sacrifice to prevent SYL or any new water carrier channel for carrying Punjab's waters to non-basin and non-riparian states.

As the issue of the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal – the focal point of a water-sharing dispute between Haryana and Punjab – continues to be at the centre stage of Punjab politics, the BJP’s State unit on Friday said it would oppose and make every sacrifice to prevent the construction of SYL or any new water carrier channel carrying Punjab’s waters to non-riparian States.

Even as the BJP-led government in Haryana has been pushing the construction of the SYL canal and asking for its share of water, the BJP’s Punjab unit in its core committee meeting, chaired by the State party president Sunil Jakhar passed a resolution stating that they firmly resolve to protect Punjab’s water.

“Punjab does not have surplus water and is suffering (from) an acute shortage of surface water and over-exploitation of groundwater because of the transfer of its river waters to non-basin and non-riparian States. It is not only against existing provisions of the Constitution but also against the principles of natural justice. We firmly resolve to protect the waters of Punjab,” read the resolution.

The BJP accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of betraying the people of Punjab on the SYL canal issue. “People of Punjab gave an overwhelming electoral mandate to AAP in Punjab in the hope of Punjab’s interest being protected. Instead, in an unpardonable act of betrayal, AAP is misappropriating Punjab’s natural resources to garner political influence in other States. In pursuance of its deceitful political calculation, the AAP government deliberately put a poor defence before the Honorable Supreme Court,” the resolution added.

The BJP through its resolution demanded Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to protect vital interests of Punjab, in particular the farmers, or quit.

“It is resolved that BJP Punjab will relentlessly oppose and make every sacrifice to prevent the construction of SYL or any new water carrier channel for carrying Punjab’s waters to non-basin and non-riparian states,” it said, urging the Government of India to facilitate resolution of the pending river water matters as per Constitutional provisions and riparian laws.