Khaira Demands White Paper, Mann Promises 70% More Canal Water for Panjab

While the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal is missing in these elections, recently Panjab INC leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira demanded the Panjab govt. issue a white paper on how much quantity of surface (canal) water flows in the canals of the state. Khaira alleged, the state govt. under the influence of AAP leaders from Delhi, is trying to show that Panjab has plenty of surface water. ‘The 600K acre command area is being shown as a non-command area by stating that it now falls under urban areas that do not need irrigation facilities.’ He stated canal water being inflated would weaken the case of Panjab in the Indian Supreme Court. ‘The state government should issue a white paper outlining the actual water situation in the state. Canal water is being denied to orchards in Abohar.’ The Punjab Water Resources department issued a notification on 14 May for the recovery of $38M owed in water tax from six circles. Khaira asked AAP to clarify why it wants to put financial burden on farmers. On 17 May, CM Bhagwant Mann said, ‘When I took the oath, surface water supply was at 21%, presently it is 59%. It will be 70% by October – the end of the paddy season.’ He added that out of the 14,500K tube wells in the state, 600K will shut down when water is available through canals. On 18 May, a civic action group – active in Mattewara and Zira distillery protests – Public Action Committee issued a Green Manifesto for Panjab.