J&K CM Omar Abdullah Opposes Water Supply to Punjab Due to Resource Constraints

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir has declared his opposition to the proposed canal project designed to supply water to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. During a statement made in Jammu, Abdullah cited the unavailability of resources and drought-like conditions within J&K as the reason for his decision. He underscored the necessity of prioritizing his state’s water needs before considering any water supply to Punjab. This move has triggered a reaction from the Shiromani Akali Dal, whose leader Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema criticized Abdullah’s statement as inappropriate. Abdullah also referenced the Indus Water Treaty, pointing out Punjab’s current water access, and the lack of aid when J&K needed water. The canal’s length is 113 km, and it is now the subject of contention.