J&K CM’s Remark on Water Sharing Unreasonable: Akali Dal Leader
The recent remark made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stating that he will not share any water with Punjab, has sparked a controversy. The reaction to his statement has been swift, with several leaders and organizations expressing their discontent. One such leader is Shiromani Akali Dal’s Daljit Singh Cheema, who has called Abdullah’s remark “unreasonable”.
Cheema, a prominent leader of the Akali Dal, has stated that the comment is surprising, especially considering the historical distribution of river water to other states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. “We did not expect him to comment on Punjab, as river water distribution has earlier also been in favour of other states like Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi,” Cheema said in a statement.
The Akali Dal leader has emphasized that Punjab has always been a willing partner in sharing water resources with its neighboring states, including Jammu and Kashmir. He has also pointed out that the water sharing agreement signed between the two states in 1981 has not been fully implemented, and that Punjab is yet to receive its due share of water.
Cheema has further stated that the Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to not share water with Punjab is not only unreasonable but also unjust. “Punjab has been a victim of water scarcity for years, and this decision will only exacerbate the problem,” he said.
The Akali Dal leader has also expressed concerns about the impact of this decision on the farmers of Punjab. “Farmers in Punjab are already struggling due to water scarcity, and this decision will only add to their woes,” Cheema said.
The controversy over water sharing between Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab is not new. The two states have been at odds over the issue for years, with each side accusing the other of not fulfilling its commitments.
In 2016, the Union Government had set up a panel to study the water sharing agreement between the two states. The panel had submitted its report in 2018, recommending that the water sharing agreement be revised to ensure a more equitable distribution of water resources.
However, the recommendations of the panel have not been implemented yet, and the controversy over water sharing continues to simmer.
The Akali Dal leader’s reaction to Abdullah’s remark has highlighted the deep-seated tensions between the two states over water sharing. The issue is not only a matter of practical importance but also has significant political and economic implications.
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to not share water with Punjab has been seen as a move to strengthen its own position in the ongoing water sharing dispute. However, the Akali Dal leader has warned that this approach is unlikely to succeed, and that a more collaborative approach is needed to resolve the issue.
In conclusion, the controversy over water sharing between Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab is a complex issue that requires a nuanced approach. The Akali Dal leader’s response to Abdullah’s remark has highlighted the need for a more collaborative and equitable solution to the problem.
