As tensions rise over water allocation between Haryana and Punjab, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday appealed for calm and urged the Punjab government to implement the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) directive to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh, CM Saini stated that Haryana is facing a drinking water crisis and accused Punjab of withholding its rightful share, referencing decisions taken in BBMB meetings on April 23 and April 30.
“This water doesn’t belong to Punjab alone, but to the entire nation. The BBMB decided to allocate water to Haryana, yet the Mann government has not complied. Haryana is receiving 17% less than its original allocation. We appeal to Punjab not to politicize water meant for drinking,” said Saini.
The remarks came after an all-party meeting in Haryana where a resolution was passed demanding Punjab honor the BBMB’s decision. The Chief Minister called for peace between the people of both states, emphasizing the need to resolve the issue legally and constitutionally.
Punjab Pushes Back Amid Reservoir Concerns
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has opposed the BBMB’s directive, citing dangerously low water levels in critical reservoirs like Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam, which are reportedly 32 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet below last year’s levels, respectively. Mann raised alarm about the state’s looming water stress ahead of the paddy sowing season.
“Punjab is already struggling with declining groundwater and depleting reservoirs. The BBMB’s order jeopardizes our water security,” Mann said, while announcing an all-party meeting on May 2 and a likely special Assembly session on May 6 to frame a response.
Background & Outlook
The Bhakra Beas Management Board oversees water distribution among Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, based on allocations from the 1981 agreement and court rulings. However, both Punjab and Haryana have frequently clashed over these allocations, especially over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and declining water resources.
As both states harden their positions, the matter threatens to escalate unless a central mediation effort or judicial intervention ensures compliance and equitable distribution.