Punjab has no surplus water to share; not even a single drop of Punjab’s rightful share will be allowed to go
Ready to act as elder brother to resolve SYL canal issue amicably
Haryana agrees to form Joint Committee on Punjab’s proposal to settle water dispute
Chandigarh, January 27, 2026:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Punjab’s interests in the ongoing water dispute, while emphasizing the need for a mutually acceptable resolution to the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue.
The statement came after a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
CM Mann said: “Punjab has no water to share with any other state. However, as the elder brother of Haryana, we do not wish to pick up swords against our neighbouring state. We want an early and amicable resolution of this decades-old matter.”
He categorically declared: “Punjab has no surplus water,” and stressed, “Not even a single drop of Punjab’s rightful water will be permitted to be taken away.” Describing the SYL canal as an highly emotive issue for Punjab, he warned that “imposition of the canal could lead to serious law and order problems in the state,” and made it clear that “land for the SYL canal is not available in Punjab at present.”
Reiterating Punjab’s cooperative approach, the Chief Minister said: “Punjab is ready to play the role of elder brother. Both states must find a mutually agreeable solution to this contentious issue.” He welcomed the fact that “both the Supreme Court and the Government of India desire a solution acceptable to both sides,” and noted that “it is encouraging that Punjab and Haryana have now joined hands to resolve the matter and move away from confrontation.”
Highlighting the historical allocation, CM Mann pointed out: “Out of the total 34.34 Million Acre Feet (MAF) water from the three rivers, Punjab was allocated only 14.22 MAF — about 40 percent — while the remaining 60 percent went to Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, even though these rivers do not flow through those states.”
Expressing deep concern over Punjab’s acute water crisis, he said: “Due to declining surface water availability, enormous pressure is being exerted on groundwater resources.” He revealed that “115 out of 153 blocks in Punjab have been declared over-exploited,” and added that “Punjab currently has the highest rate of groundwater extraction in the country.”
Invoking the revered figure of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, CM Mann stated: “Punjab overlooks its own needs and shares nearly 60 percent of its river waters with non-riparian states.” Yet, he lamented, “while Punjab generously shares its waters, the state alone bears the brunt of flood damages.” This makes it essential that “Punjab’s rights are fully protected.”
Quoting the sacred Gurbani verse — “Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat” — the Chief Minister said: “The Sikh Gurus have regarded air as the teacher, water as the father, and land as the mother. The Punjab Government is faithfully following their teachings to safeguard these vital natural resources.”
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He emphasized: “For the first time in recent history, both state governments are seriously deliberating to resolve this issue. There is no question of anyone winning or losing — but the interests and sentiments of Punjab and Punjabis cannot be ignored.”
Describing water as “the lifeline of both states,” CM Mann proposed: “Regular meetings of officers from both states through a Joint Working Group are essential.” He expressed optimism that “frequent deliberations by the Joint Working Group will pave the way for an amicable solution and open a new chapter of progress and prosperity for both Punjab and Haryana.”
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Irrigation Krishan Kumar, and other senior officials
