Nangal (Rupnagar), May 1 – As the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has approved the immediate release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryan, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday visited the Dam and issued a stern warning to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), stating that the state would not allow any unauthorized release of water to Haryana and would fight to safeguard its rightful share.
“No one can dictate terms to Punjab, not even BBMB,” said CM Mann while addressing media persons during his visit to Nangal Dam.
“We will not tolerate the illegal release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. Punjab has 60% share in BBMB, and any arbitrary decision ignoring our rights is undemocratic and unacceptable.”
The Chief Minister said that Haryana has already exceeded its annual allocation, consuming 103% of its share by March, and accused the governments of Haryana and Rajasthan of colluding to “rob” Punjab’s water with the Centre’s backing.
“This is nothing but a conspiracy against Punjab,” Mann stated.
“If the Centre continues with such actions, it should forget about getting paddy from Punjab for the Public Distribution System.”
Reiterating that Punjab faces an acute water crisis, the Chief Minister cited record-low water levels in major dams—Bhakra (12 feet lower), Pong (32 feet lower), and Ranjit Sagar (14 feet lower) compared to last year.
He warned that even the state’s drinking water needs are under stress.
“In a humanitarian gesture, we gave Haryana 4,000 cusecs per day from April 6,” Mann noted.
“But that does not mean we will let anyone steal what little we have left, especially for agriculture.”
Calling the BBMB’s decisions “arbitrary,” Mann accused the BJP-led Centre and its leaders in Punjab of remaining silent.
“Where is Ravneet Singh Bittu? Where is Sunil Jakhar? Where is Captain Amarinder Singh—the so-called protector of Punjab’s waters? Their silence is shameful,” he remarked.
He also hinted at stronger political moves, stating, “We are considering an all-party meeting and even a special assembly session to address this issue. Punjab doesn’t have a single drop of water to spare.”
Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other state officials were also present during the inspection at the dam site.
