Bhagwant Mann on Punjab’s Water Rights: BBMB Cannot Divert Water to Haryana

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has reiterated that the state has no surplus water to spare and strongly opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) unilateral decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. He declared that BBMB cannot bypass Punjab’s interests and warned that such arbitrary and undemocratic actions will not be tolerated.

Addressing the media, the Chief Minister stated that Haryana has already consumed 16,000 cusecs beyond its allocated share and accused the Haryana and Rajasthan governments of colluding to illegally divert Punjab’s water. He emphasized Punjab’s 60% stake in BBMB and called the recent board decision unjust and repressive.

Mann stressed that as a custodian of Punjab’s resources, he is committed to ensuring that not a single drop of the state’s water is stolen. Extensive arrangements have already been made to prevent unauthorized diversion of water. He warned the Union government, BBMB, and the BJP-led governments in Haryana and Rajasthan that any attempt to deprive Punjab of its water will be met with strong resistance.

He also criticized the pressure from the Centre to allocate more water to Haryana, stating that Haryana has already utilized 103% of its annual share, which runs from May 21 to May 20. Mann suggested that instead of pressuring Punjab, the Union government should consider cancelling the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan and divert surplus water from rivers like Chenab, Jhelum, and Ujh to meet regional needs.

Highlighting Punjab’s own water crisis, Mann pointed out that water levels in major reservoirs — Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam — are significantly lower than last year. He said Punjab had, in good faith, released 4,000 cusecs of water daily to Haryana from April 6, 2025, to address its drinking water shortage, but further concessions are unsustainable.

The Chief Minister announced plans to convene an all-party meeting and possibly a special session of the state assembly to deliberate on protecting Punjab’s water rights. He criticized BJP leaders — including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, state BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, and Manpreet Singh Badal — for remaining silent and urged them to take a stand or resign.

He also took a swipe at BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh, calling him a “paper protector” of Punjab’s waters and accusing him of previously releasing excess water to other states for political gain.

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other senior officials were present during the visit.