Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a meeting in Chandigarh on Tuesday to discuss the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, in line with directions issued by the Supreme Court. The meeting, which lasted around 30 minutes, was seen as an effort to keep dialogue alive between the two neighbouring states on one of north India’s most sensitive inter-state water disputes.
After the discussions, both chief ministers indicated that the talks were held in a positive and cordial atmosphere. While no concrete decision was announced, the leaders agreed to continue engagement and move forward through dialogue rather than confrontation. Officials described the interaction as constructive, stressing the need for sustained communication to address the complex issue.
The meeting was attended by senior ministers and officers from both states, underlining the importance attached to the matter. Haryana Irrigation Minister Shruti Choudhry and Punjab Minister Birender Goyal were present, along with senior bureaucrats involved in water resources and inter-state coordination.
Officials said the next round of discussions will take place at the secretary level of both state governments. These talks are expected to focus on technical and administrative aspects of the SYL canal issue. Based on the outcome of these discussions, further steps are likely to be taken within the next fortnight.
The SYL canal dispute dates back several decades and revolves around the sharing of river waters following the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966. Haryana has long maintained that completion of the canal is essential to secure its rightful share of water, while Punjab has opposed the project, citing concerns over declining water availability. The issue has witnessed multiple legal, political, and administrative interventions over the years, including repeated hearings in the Supreme Court.
Although the latest meeting did not yield an immediate breakthrough, the willingness of both chief ministers to continue dialogue is being viewed as a cautious but positive signal. Observers believe that continued engagement, particularly at the administrative level, could help reduce tensions and create room for a mutually acceptable path forward. All eyes are now on the upcoming secretary-level talks, which are expected to shape the next phase of discussions on the SYL canal.