Punjab CM de-notifies acquisition of entire SYL land

5,376 acres of land to be returned to original owners

The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today declared that the Punjab government would de-notify the land, which had been acquired for the construction of the controversial Satluj-Yamuna Canal in Punjab. The said land measuring 5,376 acres would be returned to its original owners.

Making this momentous announcement on the floor of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha here this afternoon, the Chief Minister also declared that  not a single drop of water would be allowed to flow out of Punjab as such a decision and action  would be neither  constitutionally nor legally tenable. "In fact, an extremely critical and dangerous water crisis stares its population in the face. I would rather shed every drop of my blood than allow any drop of Punjab's river waters to flow out in violation of its rights," said Badal.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its ally the BJP were quick to hail the Chief Minister's announcement.  "With a single stroke, Badal has struck down the long and dark legacy of the Congress governments against the people of Punjab. The decision would go a long way in removing grave threats to the very survival of the people of Punjab. Every Punjabi would be walking taller from this afternoon as Mr. Badal's decision would safeguard his dignity and his self esteem," said the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Meanwhile, Senior BJP leader Madan Mohan Mittal also hailed this historic decision, who was also present at the press conference and said that BJP being an alliance in the government fully endorsed this pro-farmer and pro-Punjab decision.