Chandigarh (National Times): In a bold move that may reshape inter-state water politics, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Haryana government and BBMB, marking a judicial shift in Punjab’s favour in the contentious water-sharing conflict.
Punjab had filed a review petition challenging what it called an unjustified demand for extra water by Haryana. The court admitted the petition, calling the matter “serious,” and asked Haryana to explain why it needed additional water when existing allocations were already in place.
The court also questioned the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s recent change in stance, asking for a written explanation on what prompted the shift in water distribution recommendations.
The AAP-led Punjab government has described the court’s decision as a major milestone in its ongoing struggle to protect the state’s river waters.
“This is a historic moment. The court’s intervention supports our stand and strengthens Punjab’s case. We will not allow our water to be misappropriated,” said an AAP leader, calling the ruling “a turning point in the fight for Punjab’s water rights.”
The development is expected to intensify political and legal debates over riparian rights, with observers predicting more courtroom action in the weeks ahead.
