Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, along with Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, addressed a press conference today, highlighting key decisions made by the Central Government in the recently presented Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Addressing media queries, Minister CR Patil stated that the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) issue between Punjab and Haryana is currently under Supreme Court consideration, and efforts are underway to resolve it amicably. He emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between stakeholders to address such inter-state disputes and assured that a resolution would be reached soon.
Regarding concerns over Delhi receiving polluted water from the Yamuna, the Union Minister dismissed allegations, stating that he has been consuming Delhi’s water for 16 years without issue. He attributed the pollution in the Yamuna to garbage, sewage, and industrial waste from Delhi, clarifying that Haryana has no role in this. He assured that once a new government is formed in Delhi, efforts to clean the Yamuna will be accelerated in collaboration with all stakeholders.
Defending the Union Budget against opposition criticism, Minister CR Patil highlighted the government’s success in generating employment for youth. He cited a WHO report stating that the Jal Jeevan Mission has saved 5.5 crore hours for women and prevented 3 lakh child deaths by ensuring clean drinking water. Additionally, 25 lakh women have been trained and equipped to test water quality in their villages, creating further employment opportunities.
On water conservation, Minister CR Patil stressed the importance of public awareness and announced plans to establish structures in villages and blocks to curb water wastage. Addressing concerns over water supply to Delhi, he clarified that Haryana currently supplies 925 MCM of water, exceeding the required 700 MCM, ensuring adequate availability for the capital.
