Ropar, Feb 7: The Ropar district administration on Saturday deferred a scheduled site inspection by the Ravi-Beas Waters Tribunal after hundreds of farmers blocked key routes to protest against any potential revival of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal project.
Members of the Kirti Kisan Union gathered in large numbers to prevent the tribunal from reaching the Bhakra Dam project area and Lohand Khad. The visit was intended to gather updated hydrological data on river flows and the release of water from the Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal. Officials confirmed that the inspection was postponed to ensure public safety and maintain order.
“The visit has been deferred for the time being following the demonstrations. We will consult with all stakeholders before rescheduling the technical inspection of the infrastructure,” a senior administrative official said.
The protest reflects the deep-seated sensitivities in the region regarding water sharing. While the tribunal’s presence was described as a routine procedural step for gathering technical evidence, farmer leaders viewed the move as an attempt to advance the construction of the SYL canal.
“Punjab has no surplus water to spare for any other state. We will not allow any survey or inspection that leads to the revival of a project that threatens our livelihood,” a representative of the Kirti Kisan Union said during the demonstration.
The tribunal, currently led by Chairman Justice Vineet Saran along with Justices P Naveen Rao and Suman Shyam, has been operational since 1986. It was established following the Rajiv-Longowal Accord to resolve the distribution of Ravi and Beas waters. Despite a report submitted in 1987, the matter remains unresolved due to various legal references and objections filed by the participating states.
