Chandigarh, May 3: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini appealed for peace between the two states on Saturday, urging Punjab to release the state’s allocated share of water.
Saini’s statement follows the ongoing water-sharing conflict, with Punjab refusing to honor a decision by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh, Saini stressed the severity of the situation, particularly regarding drinking water shortages in Haryana.
“This water doesn’t belong to Punjab alone; it belongs to the whole country,” Saini said, addressing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
“On April 23, the BBMB decided to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, but the Mann government has not respected this decision.”
Saini added that on April 30, the BBMB passed a resolution reaffirming the decision, noting that Haryana is now receiving 17% less water than its original share of 12.55 million acre-feet (MAF).
“Punjab is using more than its allotted share. At least don’t play politics with water meant for drinking,” Saini urged. “Today, Haryana is facing drinking water issues.”
In response to the growing crisis, an all-party meeting in Haryana resulted in a resolution calling for the Punjab government to implement the BBMB’s April 23 decision.
“We urge the Mann government to release our share of water,” Saini said, adding that both states should maintain peace and work collaboratively to resolve the issue.
The dispute intensified after Punjab CM Mann raised concerns on May 1 about decreasing water levels in key reservoirs.
He reported that water levels in the Pong, Bhakra, and Ranjit Sagar dams were significantly lower than the previous year, with reductions of 32 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet, respectively.
Mann opposed the BBMB’s directive to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, arguing that Punjab is already facing water shortages, compounded by the approaching paddy sowing season and declining groundwater levels.
On May 2, Mann called an all-party meeting to discuss Punjab’s water rights, and announced a special session of the state assembly on Monday to address the issue through a formal resolution.
As tensions continue to rise, both states have urged their citizens to remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.
