Punjab has right over its river waters under riparian law, says acting Akal Takht Jathedar

Amritsar: Amid the ongoing dispute over Punjab’s river waters, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht, said on Friday that Punjab has full rights over its rivers under riparian law and should not be pressured by the government on this issue.

Addressing the media ahead of a meeting of scholars at the Akal Takht to discuss the portrayal of Sikh character and history in films, Jathedar Gargaj said the water dispute was not about drinking water.

“If it is about drinking water, Punjab is already supplying more than enough to meet national needs,” he said.

He warned that depriving Punjab of its water could lead to the state becoming barren, affecting the lives of people across all communities.

“The riparian law clearly states that the state where the rivers flow holds the right to their waters. Punjab is also the first to be affected during floods,” he said.

Rejecting attempts to link the water issue with religion, he added, “This is not a religious matter. People of all religions live in Punjab, and if the state becomes barren, everyone will suffer. Punjab has consistently said it does not have surplus water.”

Commenting on the current tensions at the border, the Jathedar said war is never the solution and only causes human suffering.

“Today, children are being separated from mothers, and patients are being forced to abandon their treatments. Governments must consider the human cost,” he said.

Regarding the scholars’ meeting on film affairs, he said it was a preliminary consultation with various organizations and scholars, and further action would follow after another meeting.

He also supported previous SGPC resolutions stating that Guru Sahib, his family, and Sikh martyrs should not be portrayed through human characters in films.