: Saturday, 03 May 2025 7:18 pm
Chandigarh Water is no longer the source of life, it has also become the edge of politics. The decades-old Bhakra canal water dispute between Punjab-Haryana has once again started to heat up in the political court. On Saturday, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Saini convened an all -party meeting at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh and alleged that Punjab is stopping Haryana’s water in an unconstitutional manner. On the other hand, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s answer was even more strong – “There is a murder in Punjab for water. Will not give even a drop.”
Haryana Chief Minister Naib Saini said in the press conference that the defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Delhi elections is now being taken as water. Haryana is getting 17% less water from its share, due to which the drinking water crisis has arisen in seven districts. There is not a drop of water in 156 water bodies and is being supplied by tankers in rural areas.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while talking to the media in Jalandhar, said in an emotional and aggressive manner that “water is the life of Punjab, and there is no compromise when it comes to life.” He linked the lack of water with life and death and clarified that Punjab is needed first.
Punjab refused to participate in the meeting of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in Chandigarh. This is the same institution that determines water allocation between Haryana, Punjab, Himachal and Rajasthan on technical basis. It was decided in the meeting that the process of removing the police from the dam will be started by coordinating with the Punjab government, so that the water supply could be normal.
Water is going to Pakistan: Saini said that when the water level increased during 2015-2019, the water had to be sent to Pakistan because Punjab stopped water at its level.
CM Mann broke confidence: The Punjab government did not cooperate on 26 April despite discussion and correspondence. On the contrary, Bhagwant Mann misled the public through the video.
Attempt to snatch the rights: Syl canal is not constructed, and using more water from the part fixed by Punjab, depriving Haryana of its statutory rights.
Terrible drinking water crisis: There is a huge difference in demand and supply of drinking water in 7 districts of Haryana. Districts like Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar are completely dependent on Bhakra.
Politics of conflict: Punjab is not cooperating despite the Supreme Court order. The instructions of the central government are also being disregarded.
This dispute is not new …
The SYL canal dispute has been revolving in the Supreme Court, Parliament and the corridors of the assembly for decades. In 2004, the Punjab Legislative Assembly passed all the water agreements by passing the ‘Punjab Termination of Agreement Act’. The Supreme Court described it as unconstitutional in 2016, but Haryana has not yet got the land. Movements against the canal in Punjab stood up, and construction works were halted several times.
The water crisis is no longer an administrative or environmental issue, it has now taken the form of a fight for political authority versus political dominance. The next action of BBMB and the role of the Center will decide the direction of this dispute. The question is whether the leaders of both states will choose the path of dialogue, or will they leave the public thirsty in conflict and rhetoric?
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Web Title-Haryana-PUNJAB Water Dispute on the Rise Again: Political Earthquake caused by water