Title: J&K CM’s remark on water sharing unreasonable: Akali Dal leader
The recent statement made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the sharing of river water with Punjab has sparked a controversy. Abdullah had stated that his government would not share any water with Punjab, a remark that has been widely criticized by Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema.
In an interview, Cheema described Abdullah’s remark as “unreasonable” and stated that his party did not expect the J&K CM to comment on the issue of river water sharing with Punjab. He added that the distribution of river water has historically been in favor of other states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
Cheema’s statement is a response to Abdullah’s earlier comment that the J&K government would not share any water with Punjab, citing the state’s water scarcity issues. The Punjab government has been demanding a fair share of river water, particularly the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, which flow through both Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
The dispute over river water sharing has been ongoing for several years, with both states having different opinions on the matter. Punjab has been demanding a minimum of 12 million acre-feet of water from the three rivers, while Jammu and Kashmir has been refusing to share the water, citing its own water scarcity issues.
The Akali Dal leader’s statement comes at a time when the issue of river water sharing is once again gaining attention. The recent drought in Punjab has further exacerbated the issue, with the state’s farmers demanding immediate relief from the government.
The J&K government’s decision to not share any water with Punjab has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it “unreasonable” and “inconsiderate”. The decision is seen as a blow to the already strained relations between the two states.
The issue of river water sharing is not unique to Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. In recent years, there have been several disputes over river water sharing between various states in India, including the Mahadayi River dispute between Karnataka and Goa, and the Krishna River dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The dispute over river water sharing is not just limited to states within India. There have been several international disputes over river water sharing, including the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan, and the Ganges River dispute between India and Bangladesh.
In conclusion, the recent statement made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the sharing of river water with Punjab has sparked a controversy. The Akali Dal leader’s statement calling Abdullah’s remark “unreasonable” highlights the sensitive nature of the issue. The dispute over river water sharing is a complex one, and requires careful consideration and negotiation to resolve.
It is essential for the governments of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab to come together and find a solution to this long-standing issue. The dispute is not just limited to the two states, but also has implications for the entire country. The issue of river water sharing is a matter of national importance, and requires immediate attention and action.
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