As India grapples with the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, an intense political row over water-sharing has erupted between Punjab and Haryana. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala has raised alarm over the alleged reduction of water flow from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), blaming the Centre for inaction and highlighting a growing water crisis in Haryana.
Surjewala criticised the Union Power Ministry, under which the BBMB operates, for drastically reducing Haryana’s water share from 8,500 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs. “Several areas in Haryana are facing acute water shortages. The tanker mafia is thriving while the government remains silent,” he said.
Punjab refuses additional water
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini urged neighbouring Punjab to release additional water from the Bhakra reservoir, warning that any surplus would otherwise flow into Pakistan through Hari-ke-Pattan. Saini stressed the importance of clearing the reservoir before monsoon to store rainwater and avoid unnecessary losses.
“It is necessary to empty the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June so that rainwater can be stored during the monsoon. If there is no space left in the water reservoir, excess water will go to Pakistan via Hari-ke-Pattan, which is neither in the interest of Punjab nor the nation,” he said.
Delhi’s water supply at risk too
Saini also warned that the ongoing dispute could impact Delhi’s drinking water supply. “Earlier, the Mann government had no issues with water flowing to Delhi when the AAP ruled there. Now, with a change in leadership, why punish Delhiites?” he questioned. He further clarified that out of the BBMB’s water release to Haryana, substantial amounts were diverted to Delhi, Rajasthan, and even Punjab itself, leaving Haryana with only 6,800 cusecs.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann firmly refused to provide more water to Haryana, claiming the state had already exhausted 103% of its allocation by March. Echoing this, Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains accused the BJP of pressuring Punjab through the BBMB and asserted that Punjab is already in a severe water crisis, with most districts falling in the “dark zone.”
Centre slams Mann
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised Mann for stoking internal divisions at a time when India is united against Pakistan. “This is not the time for petty politics. Mann’s statement is an attempt to divide states when the nation needs solidarity,” Bittu said. He labelled the CM’s actions “cowardly” and “shameful,” demanding a public apology.
The water-sharing issue is far from new. The long-delayed Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal remains a point of contention, with Haryana having completed its share while Punjab refuses to move forward. Meanwhile, the BBMB prepares to review water allocations on May 21.
(With inputs from agencies)