Speaking to the media in Shimla, Gupta said the project would facilitate better utilisation of the country's water resources and help address the requirements of states including Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. He stressed that ensuring adequate water supply to Indian citizens must remain the foremost priority.
“The Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel Project is an important initiative in the national interest. India's water should first be used to meet the needs of the people and states of our own country,” the Governor said.
Highlighting the significance of effective river water management, Gupta stated that the project would enable improved utilisation of available water resources. He reiterated that fulfilling the requirements of states such as Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh should be the primary objective and asserted that river waters must reach Indian citizens before being considered for any other purpose.
The Governor also referred to India-Pakistan relations, stating that several decisions taken during the Partition of 1947 continue to have far-reaching consequences for the country.
“Many mistakes were made at the time of Partition in 1947, the consequences of which the country continues to face even today,” he said.
Gupta alleged that Pakistan continues to attempt to destabilise India through acts of terrorism despite repeated efforts by India to maintain cordial relations with its neighbour.
“Pakistan, which was once a part of India, still tries to destabilise the country through terrorism. India has always attempted to maintain friendly relations with its neighbour, but Pakistan has repeatedly betrayed that trust,” he said.
Praising the country's leadership and security forces, the Governor said India has consistently responded firmly to provocations originating from across the border.
“Today, the country has strong leadership, and whenever Pakistan has indulged in any misadventure, the Indian security forces have responded firmly. There can be no compromise on national security and national interests,” Gupta said.
He further argued that national resources should be utilised primarily for the benefit of Indian citizens and suggested that previous concessions extended to Pakistan had not yielded positive outcomes.
“In the past, various facilities and concessions were extended to Pakistan without any special reason. The time has now come to ensure that the country's resources are first used in the interest of our own citizens,” he said.
The Governor maintained that any future cooperation or concessions for Pakistan should depend on a fundamental change in its conduct and a complete end to support for terrorism.
“Any future cooperation or concession can be considered only if Pakistan improves its behaviour and stops supporting terrorism,” he said.
Gupta concluded by stating that the measures being undertaken by the Government of India would play a crucial role in safeguarding national interests and ensuring more efficient utilisation of national resources. He said the Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel Project forms an important part of this broader national vision aimed at strengthening resource management and serving the interests of Indian citizens.
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