Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu has launched a sharp attack on the previous Congress and Akali-BJP governments, accusing them of neglecting Punjab’s groundwater crisis and compromising the state’s water interests. He asserted that Punjabis would never forgive those responsible for jeopardising the water security of future generations.
Addressing a press conference, Pannu said experts had repeatedly warned that Punjab’s groundwater was depleting rapidly, but successive governments failed to take adequate steps to address the crisis. He alleged that previous governments allowed the state’s canals, rivers and dams to deteriorate, putting its agricultural future at risk.
Targeting political leaders who portrayed themselves as protectors of Punjab’s water, Pannu said those who displayed large hoardings claiming to be “guardians of water” had, in reality, turned out to be “water looters”.
Pannu targets Congress and Akali leadership over SYL
Pannu levelled allegations against former Congress and Akali leaders over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute. He claimed that when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi proposed the SYL project, former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh presented her with a gold coin and a silver pouch.
He also alleged that the project received approval during the tenure of the Badal government, claiming that former Haryana Chief Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal had thanked Parkash Singh Badal in the Haryana Assembly.
Pannu further alleged that the height of canals was increased to ensure water reached Badal’s private farmhouse. He cited these claims to question the commitment of previous governments to safeguarding Punjab’s water resources.
Canal water usage rises from 21-22% to nearly 88%
Highlighting the steps taken by the Bhagwant Mann-led government since coming to power in 2022, Pannu said the state government had prioritised the restoration and expansion of canal irrigation to reduce dependence on groundwater.
According to Pannu, only around 21-22% of irrigation water was being supplied through canals when the AAP government assumed office. He claimed that the figure had now increased to nearly 88%.
He said the government had identified damaged sections and gaps in the irrigation network and laid approximately 14,000 kilometres of pipelines to ensure canal water reached farmers’ fields.
Pannu claimed that the supply of mineral-rich canal water had helped farmers reduce groundwater extraction. He added that the initiative had also reduced the need to repeatedly deepen borewells in villages and that groundwater levels had begun showing signs of improvement.
Congress accused of avoiding debate on water rights
Referring to the recent Punjab Assembly session, Pannu said important resolutions concerning the state’s water rights were introduced on the final day. However, he accused Congress leaders of creating a disturbance and walking out of the Assembly instead of participating in the proceedings.
He alleged that the opposition focused on the issue of alleged vote theft but failed to remain present when Punjab’s water-related concerns were being discussed.
Pannu also questioned the silence of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and other political parties, claiming that several days after the session ended, they had not issued any response to the resolutions. He further accused the BJP of remaining silent on the issue despite what he described as attempts to deprive Punjab of its rightful share of resources.
AAP seeks Punjab’s rightful share in Yamuna waters
Explaining the resolutions passed in the Assembly, Pannu said they called on the Central government to review the 1994 agreement and ensure that Punjab receives its legitimate and historical share of Yamuna waters.
He said the dispute should be resolved through appropriate legal and constitutional mechanisms, including a water tribunal or the Supreme Court, if required.
The resolutions also seek to place the management and maintenance of the Ropar, Harike and Ferozepur headworks, which are located within Punjab, entirely under the Punjab government.
Pannu argued that Punjab, as a riverine state, should have control over these critical water infrastructure facilities within its territory.
‘Punjabis will not forgive those who exploit Punjab’s water’
Pannu said Punjabis living in India and abroad understood the importance of protecting the state’s water resources and securing its rightful share in river waters.
He maintained that the resolutions reflected the need to safeguard Punjab’s agricultural economy, address the groundwater crisis and protect the interests of future generations.
“Punjab will not forgive those who loot its water,” Pannu asserted, reiterating the AAP government’s commitment to strengthening canal irrigation and defending the state’s water rights.
AAP leader said protecting groundwater, expanding canal-based irrigation and pursuing Punjab’s claims through legal and constitutional channels were essential to ensuring long-term water security for the state.
