Kejriwal urges PM to resolve Punjab-Haryana canal row

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on September 7 urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute between Punjab and Haryana, accusing the BJP of playing dual politics on the issue. Speaking at a press conference in Hisar, Haryana, Kejriwal said the Centre must ensure water for both states, not set them against each other. He noted that BJP and Congress leaders take opposite stands in Punjab and Haryana on the canal's construction.

The row highlights a broader tussle over water governance between the Centre and states, as per the Constitution's Seventh Schedule. Article 246 gives the Centre powers over interstate rivers and river valleys, while states control water supply, irrigation, and canals. The Inter-State River Water Dispute Act, 1956, provides for tribunals to resolve such disputes, with decisions final and binding after publication.

Several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, have also complained about inadequate central funds stalling dam projects. The Centre and states frequently clash over overlapping powers on subjects like water and electricity.