Two northern Indian bordering states, Punjab and Haryana, have fallen into a serious water crisis. Particularly with relation to the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal problem, the conflict has become more heated over the distribution of river flows. Recent heated remarks between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini have resulted from both sides accusing each other of unfairness and neglect. The problem has become political and affects the life of millions of people depending on river water for everyday consumption and agriculture. The present situation, its background, political ramifications, and the direction forward are discussed in this paper.