SUTLEJ-YAMUNA RIVER LINKING
1. Context
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will hold a meeting with the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue in Chandigarh, a Haryana government statement said recently.
2. About Yamuna River
- The Yamuna River is one of the major rivers in India, flowing through the northern part of the country. It is the largest tributary of the Ganges River and plays a significant role in the socio-cultural and economic aspects of India.
- The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Uttarakhand state of the Indian Himalayas. It begins its journey at an altitude of approximately 6,387 meters (20,955 feet) near the Bandarpoonch mountain.
- The river flows through several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, before merging with the Ganges at the holy city of Allahabad (Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh. The total length of the Yamuna River is approximately 1,376 kilometres (855 miles).
3. About Sutlej River
- The Sutlej River is a powerful and historic river with significance in both its physical and cultural aspects. The Sutlej originates in Lake Rakshastal in Tibet, flows northwestward through the Himalayas, and enters India through the Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh. It then winds through Punjab before merging with the Chenab River in Pakistan.
- With a total length of approximately 1,450 kilometres (900 miles), the Sutlej is the longest of the five rivers that give the Punjab region its name. Its drainage basin covers an area of approximately 395,000 square kilometres (153,000 sq mi).
- The Sutlej has several tributaries, including the Baspa, Spiti, Nogli Khad, and Soan River. These tributaries contribute to its water flow and overall basin management.
4. The Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal Dispute in India
The Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal dispute is a long-standing and contentious issue between the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. The dispute revolves around the sharing of water from the Ravi and Beas rivers, tributaries of the Indus River.
Background
- In 1966, Punjab was reorganised, carving out Haryana as a separate state.
- The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 allocated the waters of the Indus River system, including the Ravi and Beas, to India.
- To utilize its share of Ravi and Beas waters, Haryana demanded a canal linking the Sutlej River (a tributary of the Indus) to the Yamuna River (a tributary of the Ganges).
- In 1981, the Rajiv Gandhi government agreed with Punjab and Haryana, allocating Ravi and Beas waters and requiring Punjab to construct the SYL Canal to carry Haryana's share of water to the Yamuna.
5. The Dispute
- Punjab opposed the agreement, arguing that it had limited water resources and that sharing with Haryana would leave its farmers with insufficient water.
- Punjab began construction of the canal but later stopped it over concerns about water scarcity and political opposition.
- Haryana filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to compel Punjab to complete the canal.
- The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Haryana on multiple occasions, but Punjab has not complied with the orders.
6. Constitutional Provisions for Interstate Water Disputes
In India, several constitutional provisions and legislative frameworks deal with interstate water disputes:
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 262: Empowers the Union Parliament to enact laws regarding the adjudication of interstate river water disputes and valley development. This gives the central government authority to intervene and establish tribunals or other mechanisms to resolve water conflicts between states.
- Article 245: Defines the legislative sphere of the Union and states. Although water is not explicitly mentioned, it falls under the concurrent list, meaning both the central and state governments can legislate on it. This can lead to potential overlap and conflicts, making Article 262 crucial for dispute resolution.
- Article 143: Establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court of India, with the power to hear appeals and settle disputes, including those about interstate water rights.
Legislative Frameworks
- Inter-State River Water Disputes Act (1956): This key legislation provides a framework for establishing tribunals to adjudicate interstate water disputes. Upon a state government's request, the central government can refer a dispute to a tribunal, composed of a chairperson and judges. The tribunal's decisions are binding on the parties involved.
- River Boards Act (1956): Establishes river boards for specific river basins to advise the central and state governments on water resource development and utilization. These boards act as consultative bodies, promoting cooperation and coordinated water management between states.
- The National Water Policy (2012): Although not a law, it outlines principles and guidelines for water management in India, including interstate water resources. It emphasizes equitable water distribution, basin-level planning, and efficient water use.
7. Arguments of both states
Punjab's Arguments
- Punjab argues that it is a water-stressed state with limited groundwater resources.
- Sharing its water with Haryana would adversely affect its agriculture, which is the backbone of its economy.
- The 1981 agreement was unfair and did not take into account Punjab's water scarcity.
- Completing the SYL Canal would lead to environmental degradation in Punjab.
Haryana's Arguments
- Haryana argues that it is a landlocked state with even less water than Punjab.
- It relies on Ravi and Beas water for irrigation and drinking water.
- The 1981 agreement was a fair and legal settlement that should be respected.
- Delaying the SYL Canal construction deprives Haryana of its rightful share of water.
- Punjab has sufficient water resources and can manage its water needs while sharing with Haryana.
Impact
- The SYL Canal dispute has strained relations between Punjab and Haryana.
- It has led to protests, political tensions, and even violence.
- The dispute has also hindered economic development in both states.
Current Status
- The Supreme Court has recently ordered the Punjab government to start construction of the SYL Canal.
- Punjab has expressed its opposition to the order and is exploring legal options.
- The resolution of the dispute remains uncertain, with both states holding firm to their positions.
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For Prelims: Yamuna River, Sutlej River, River Linking, Punjab, Haryana, Inter-state River Water Disputes Act, Rivers Board Act, Article 262, Article 245, Article 143, National Water Policy, Indus River, Ganga River
For Mains:
1. Critically analyze the longstanding Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal dispute between Punjab and Haryana. Discuss the historical context, legal aspects, and potential solutions to achieve a sustainable and equitable resolution. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following tributaries of River Yamuna and arrange them from West to East: (UPSC 2020)
1. Betwa
2. Ken
3. Sindh
4. Chambal
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
A. 4, 3, 1 and 2
B. 1, 2, 3 and 4
C. 3, 2, 1 and 4
D. 2, 3, 1 and 4
2. River Sutlej originates from (AFCAT 2013)
A. Northern slopes of the Kailash range
B. Spring at Verinarg
C. Rakshastal Lake
D. Amarkantak plateau
3. Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken? (UPSC 2016)
A. Cauvery and Tungabhadra
B. Godavari and Krishna
C. Mahanadi and Sone
D. Narmada and Tapti
4. Consider the following statements: (MPSC 2017)
1. According to Article 262 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of interstate river water dispute.
2. Article 262 empowers the President of India to set up an interstate river water dispute tribunal.
Select the incorrect statements:
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
5. Examine the following statements about the following articles of the Indian Constitution: (Telangana Police SI 2018)
(a) Article 245 of the Indian Constitution states that the powers of both parliament and the state legislature are subject to the provisions of the Constitution.
(b) If an accused person is directed to give his voice sample during the course of the investigation of an offense, there is no violation of his right under Article 20(1).
Choose the correct answer:
A. Both (a) and (b) are correct
B. Both (a) and (b) are incorrect
C. Only (a) is correct
D. Only (b) is correct
6. As per Article 245 ________ is the function of Parliament (UPSSSC PET 2022)
A. Criticising Government
B. Governing
C. Law-making
D. Collecting taxes
7. According to Article 143 of the constitution of India, the ________ has the power to consult the Supreme Court. (AAI ATC Junior Executive 2018)
A. Speaker of the Lok Sabha
B. Prime Minister of India
C. Governor
D. President of India
8. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)
The Supreme Court of India tenders advice to the President of India on matters of law or fact
1. on its own initiative (on any matter of larger public interest).
2. if he seeks such advice. 3. only if the matters relate to the Fundamental Rights of the citizens Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 3 only D. 1 and 2
9. If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? (UPSC 2012)
1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water.
2. The water requirements of coastal clues with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.
3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pump-sets to draw ground-water will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 3 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
10. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct? (UPSC 2021)
A. Chenab B. Jhelum C. Ravi D. Sutlej
11. The Indus river originates near: (UPRVUNL AE EE 2016)
A. Mansarovar B. Gangotri C. North Kashmir D. Siachen Glacier
12. Consider the following tributaries of river Ganga: (CDS GK 2018)
1. Gandak
2. Kosi
3. Ghaghara
4. Gomti
Which of the following is the correct order of the above rivers from east to west?
A. 3-4-1-2
B. 2-1-3-4
C. 2-3-1-4
D. 1-2-4-3
Answers: 1-A, 2-C, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B, 6-C, 7-D, 8-B, 9-B, 10-D, 11-A, 12- B
Mains
1. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. (UPSC 2013)
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Source: The Indian Express
