Inter-State Water Dispute: Punjab Caps Water Supply to Haryana

A fresh round of inter-state tensions over water has erupted between Punjab and Haryana, with Punjab capping the Bhakra water supply to Haryana at 4,000 cusecs. A technical committee of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had earlier decided to provide 8,500 cusecs of water for seven days to Haryana, but Punjab officials refused to increase the water allocation to Haryana.

Impact on Haryana

The reduced water supply would affect Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad districts of Haryana. Punjab Principal Secretary, Water Resources, Krishan Kumar objected to the supply of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, citing the state's previous consumption exceeding its legitimate share.

Punjab's Stance

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that the state does not have excess water to share with Haryana. He emphasized the need for water for paddy sowing in Punjab and highlighted the low water levels in Ranjit Sagar Dam and Pong Dam. Mann accused the BJP of pressuring Punjab through BBMB to provide extra water to Haryana, which Punjab cannot afford.

Haryana's Response

Haryana officials dismissed Punjab's claims of Haryana exhausting its water share, pointing out that the allocated water would have no substantial impact on reserves.