Chandigarh (National Times): In a decision that has sparked sharp backlash from Punjab, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has approved the immediate release of 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana, citing humanitarian concerns amid the latter’s reported water shortage.
The decision was taken during a lengthy technical committee meeting chaired by BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi. While Punjab opposed the move, stating that no surplus water was available, it found itself isolated as BJP-ruled Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi collectively pushed the demand through. Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh remained neutral.
Haryana officials, led by Anurag Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department, highlighted dire shortages in districts such as Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad, arguing for urgent relief.
Punjab countered with data showing that water levels in the Pong, Ranjit Sagar, and Bhakra Dams are all significantly below last year’s levels — by as much as 31.87% at Pong and 16.90% at Ranjit Sagar. The state warned that releasing additional water now could reduce Bhakra’s level by 15 feet before monsoon replenishment, threatening irrigation needs during the critical paddy sowing season.
Principal Secretary Krishan Kumar, leading the Punjab delegation, further argued that per the BBMB’s regulation manual, Punjab must first submit a formal indent for extra water — a clause which was waived for this release.
Adding fuel to the fire, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP of orchestrating a political ploy to siphon off Punjab’s water. In a strongly-worded letter to Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, Mann denied agreeing to the water transfer and claimed he learned about the request through the media.
Mann added that Haryana had already exceeded its allotted quota, having used up its share by March 31, and that Punjab was in no position to offer more water. He backed his argument with BBMB distribution figures showing Punjab received 5.512 MAF, Haryana 2.987 MAF, and Rajasthan 3.318 MAF for the current depletion period ending May 20.
