AMRITSAR: The Executive Committee (EC) of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken a resolute stance on safeguarding Punjab's water resources concerning the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.
During an meeting held in Amritsar, a resolution was passed, reaffirming the region's commitment to preserving its water rights.
SGPC president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, addressed the media, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to prevent any injustices related to Punjab's water.
Dhami highlighted the recent directive from the Supreme Court to the Punjab government, urging them to conduct a survey. In response, he stated that it was vital for the Punjab government to strongly advocate for the state's rights and interests and present a robust stance against the SYL.
Dhami held the Punjab government partially accountable for the current situation, attributing it to their failure to make a fair representation of the case in court. He made it clear that the SGPC would firmly support Punjab's rights in the event of any interference in water-related matters.
Moreover, Dhami expressed the SGPC's readiness to take a leading role alongside various organizations, including political parties, social groups, agricultural and religious entities, which are actively opposing the SYL. He emphasized the critical issue of groundwater depletion in Punjab due to insufficient canal water, with thousands of tube wells exacerbating the problem in the region.
Dhami added that a significant portion of Punjab's water was being diverted to states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi, infringing on international riparian laws without adequate compensation. He issued a warning, stating that further injustices regarding Punjab's water would not be tolerated and appealed to the central government to ensure equitable treatment for Punjab in the sensitive SYL matter.