Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says his state has no surplus water for Haryana

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann PTI/Pic

Amid the intensifying water-sharing dispute with Haryana, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on Monday said that his state has no surplus water to spare, emphasising that both legal and data-driven evidence supports Punjab's position.

Speaking to reporters, Mann clarified that there is no dispute over water, as Punjab has already fulfilled its obligations to Haryana.

"There is no dispute regarding water. Legally and according to data, it is in favour of Punjab. We have allotted Haryana water for one year; they used up the water in 10 months, and now they are asking for more water for the remaining two months," Mann said.

He added that Haryana's request was based on a past practice, when they used to receive more water. However, the circumstances have now changed, the Punjab CM said, according to news agency ANI.

"The only logic they [Haryana] are giving is that earlier, too, they had been getting more water [than their share]. The time has changed," he asserted.

Mann also highlighted significant improvements in Punjab's canal infrastructure, noting that the state has increased its canal water usage from 21-22 per cent to 60 per cent, reported ANI.

"We have improved our canal systems in the state... We used to use 21 per cent to 22 per cent of the water; now we use 60 per cent of water... We have restored our canal infrastructure and we have been using our own water now... We don't have additional water," the Punjab CM said.

Mann's comments come in response to the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) recent order to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana from the Bhakra-Nangal Dam on April 30.

However, the Punjab government has rejected the BBMB's decision, raising concerns over the declining water levels in key reservoirs. On May 1, Mann pointed out that the water levels in Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam are 32 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet below last year's levels.

Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Haryana government is trying to steal his state's share of water.

"Haryana government and the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government are trying to steal Punjab's share of water...We have requested the central government to repeal the Dam Safety Act 2021. This Act comes under Punjab's jurisdiction...We will not let anyone take Punjab's share of water..." Cheema told ANI.

(With ANI inputs)