‘SYL Canal is crucial for resolving water conflict between Punjab and Haryana.’

• The Ravi-Beas water dispute is a long-standing conflict between Haryana and Punjab over the equitable sharing of surplus waters from the rivers.

• The dispute affects agriculture, drinking water, regional development, and political relations in northern India.

• Haryana cites historical agreements, tribunal rulings, and Supreme Court verdicts to demand its share, while Punjab argues it lacks sufficient water due to rising demand and ecological degradation.

• The legal and historical background of the dispute includes the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, and Punjab’s halt of canal construction in 1982.

• Haryana faces challenges in accessing the Ravi-Beas water due to the non-completion of the SYL Canal, which results in a water shortfall of 1.62 MAF of its 3.5 MAF entitlement.

• The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) operates under the Ministry of Power and plays a strategic role in ensuring surplus water does not flow into Pakistan.

• The proposed solutions include the completion of the SYL Canal, alternative water transport systems, irrigation efficiency upgrades, crop diversification, water conservation, and groundwater monitoring.