Punjab Finance Minister Asserts Opposition to Central SYL Canal Survey

Punjab Finance Minister Asserts Opposition to Central SYL Canal Survey

VoM News Desk | October 14, 2023 | 11:24 PM IST | Punjab | Follow on Google News

Punjab Finance Minister Asserts Opposition to Central SYL Canal Survey

Punjab Finance Minister Asserts Opposition to Central SYL Canal Survey

Punjab’s Finance Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, firmly stated that no central team would be allowed to survey land for the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal in Punjab. Following a Cabinet meeting, Cheema addressed reporters and confirmed that the Punjab government had not received any information regarding a potential visit by a central team to conduct the survey. He further emphasized that if such a team were to arrive in the state, the Punjab government would strongly oppose the visit and prevent the survey from taking place.

Cheema’s declaration comes after Shiromani Akali Dal leader Prem Singh Chandumajra’s claim that central survey teams were expected to visit Punjab on November 1. The SYL canal project aims to facilitate the equitable distribution of water from the Ravi and Beas rivers. The project involves the construction of a 214-kilometer canal, with 122 kilometers in Punjab and 92 kilometers in Haryana.

No Central Team Welcome for SYL Canal Survey, States Punjab Finance Minister

While Haryana has completed its portion of the project, Punjab, which initiated the work in 1982, discontinued it later. Opposition leaders have criticized the Bhagwant Mann government, accusing it of failing to safeguard Punjab’s interests. On October 4, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to survey the land allocated for the SYL canal’s construction in Punjab and assess the extent of construction carried out.

The SYL canal issue has sparked protests from the Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal in recent days, reflecting the significant importance and controversies surrounding this water allocation project.

Punjab Stands Firm Against Central SYL Canal Survey

Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserts the state’s strong opposition to any central team surveying land for the SYL canal, a contentious issue in the region.

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