Barinder Kumar Goyal Refutes Haryana’s False Claims on BML Canal Water

In the ongoing debate over water sharing between Punjab and Haryana, Punjab’s Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister, Barinder Kumar Goyal, has come out strongly to address what he calls misleading and inaccurate claims by Haryana about water allocation from the Bhakra Main Line (BML) Canal.

Speaking from Chandigarh today, Minister Goyal condemned Haryana’s recent statements that it was receiving its full share of 10,300 cusecs of water from the BML canal as “factually incorrect” and “a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.” He urged both states to focus on transparency and cooperation rather than public posturing.

Setting the Facts Straight

Minister Goyal presented a clear picture of the current water distribution scenario. As of noon today, the BML canal was operating below its total capacity of 11,700 cusecs within Punjab. Punjab itself was receiving 9,690 cusecs at the canal’s origin point. Out of this, Punjab uses 2,025 cusecs to meet its legitimate agricultural and other water needs.

After sharing water with Delhi and Rajasthan, Haryana is receiving approximately 6,720 cusecs — significantly less than the 10,300 cusecs that Haryana claims it is entitled to. Punjab, he emphasized, intends to use its full share of 3,000 cusecs in line with constitutional rights and operational realities.

A Call for Honest Dialogue

Minister Goyal criticized Haryana’s tactics as counterproductive. “Instead of resorting to publicity stunts and spreading misinformation, Haryana should engage in honest dialogue and provide factual information to its citizens,” he said. According to him, the people deserve clarity and truth, not distorted narratives designed to inflame tensions.

Despite the tensions, Goyal reassured that Punjab remains committed to cooperative federalism and judicious sharing of water resources. But he also made it clear that Punjab would stand firm in protecting its lawful water rights.

Looking Ahead

This public exchange underscores the delicate balance and complexities involved in managing shared water resources between states, especially in regions where agriculture is the lifeline of millions. Punjab’s message is clear: collaboration and transparency must prevail over misinformation and political point-scoring.

As the summer advances and water needs grow, both Punjab and Haryana face the challenge of working together to ensure fair distribution while maintaining peace and trust. For now, Barinder Kumar Goyal’s firm stance signals that Punjab will vigilantly protect its interests without abandoning the spirit of federal cooperation.