Should Haryana File Contempt Against Punjab Over SYL Canal Dispute?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Chandigarh, Aug 7 (NationPress) Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda has called on the state government to take decisive action against Punjab regarding the SYL canal issue. With the Supreme Court siding with Haryana, Hooda emphasizes the need for immediate contempt proceedings to secure the state's rightful water share.
Key Takeaways
- Former CM Hooda urges legal action against Punjab over SYL issue.
- Supreme Court's ruling favors Haryana's water rights.
- Haryana's farmers are heavily indebted.
- Contempt proceedings are suggested as a solution.
- Criticism of PM Crop Insurance Scheme for harming farmers.
Chandigarh, Aug 7 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda urged the Haryana government on Thursday to cease its “routine of holding meetings” with the Punjab government and to initiate contempt proceedings against Punjab regarding the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal controversy, as the Supreme Court has already ruled in Haryana's favor.
Hooda, a Congress leader, emphasized that “it is now the duty of the Union government to ensure Haryana receives its rightful share of water.”
In response to the recent meeting between the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana concerning the SYL, he stated that instead of engaging in meetings, the BJP government should promptly file a contempt case against Punjab in court, as the Supreme Court's ruling has favored Haryana for quite some time.
“The court assigned the responsibility of securing Haryana's water share to the Central government. With the BJP ruling both in Haryana and at the national level, Haryana should have received its share of water by now. The failure to do so is due to the BJP's anti-Haryana stance,” Hooda alleged.
The Congress leader reiterated that the Punjab government “is disregarding the Supreme Court's ruling, while the Haryana government continues to squander time in unproductive meetings.”
“It is under the current BJP government that the already constructed SYL canal in Punjab was obstructed. This government also blocked the Dadupur-Nalvi canal that was established during the Congress administration to enhance groundwater levels,” he noted.
Hooda further pointed out that Haryana's farmers are increasingly falling deeper into debt.
“Currently, each farmer in Haryana carries a debt of Rs 1,82,922, while the national average is Rs 74,000. Haryana ranks fourth in the country for farmers burdened by debt,” he stated.
He criticized the PM Crop Insurance Scheme, claiming it has enriched insurance companies while impoverishing farmers.
This revelation was made in response to a question posed by Member of Parliament Deepender Hooda in the Lok Sabha.
Deepender Hooda had queried the government about the alarming 90% decline in compensation payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in Haryana, questioning why such a drop occurred despite ongoing crop damages.
Point of View
It is essential to provide an unbiased perspective on the SYL canal dispute. The call for contempt proceedings reflects the urgency of the matter, particularly for Haryana's farmers facing significant challenges. The situation underscores the need for effective governance and accountability, highlighting the responsibilities of both state and central governments in addressing regional disputes.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SYL canal dispute?
The SYL canal dispute involves a disagreement between Haryana and Punjab over the distribution of water from the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal, which was intended to supply water to Haryana.
What did the Supreme Court decide regarding the SYL canal?
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Haryana, affirming its right to a share of water from the SYL canal.
What actions is Bhupinder Singh Hooda advocating for?
Hooda is advocating for the Haryana government to file contempt proceedings against Punjab for not adhering to the Supreme Court's ruling.
How has the PM Crop Insurance Scheme impacted farmers?
Hooda claims that the PM Crop Insurance Scheme has worsened the financial situation for farmers, benefitting insurance companies while leaving farmers impoverished.
What is the average debt of farmers in Haryana?
Farmers in Haryana carry an average debt of Rs 1,82,922, significantly higher than the national average of Rs 74,000.
