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BBMB Orders Punjab to Release Water to Haryana, Escalating Regional Dispute

Punjab rejects the directive to release 8,500 cusecs, citing exhausted quotas and irrigation needs, while Haryana warns of water loss to Pakistan and drinking water shortages.

Delhi Minister for Water, Parvesh Verma, has alleged that Punjab is deliberately blocking water supply to both Haryana and Delhi.
The reduced water supply would affect Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad districts of Haryana. (HT File)
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Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Thursday alleged that Punjab is deliberately blocking water supply to both Haryana and Delhi in a politically motivated move. (HT file photo)

Overview

  • The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has mandated Punjab to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, despite strong objections from Punjab officials and their walkout during the board meeting.
  • Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann argues that Haryana has already used 103% of its annual water quota and insists Punjab needs the remaining supply for its paddy season irrigation demands.
  • Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini warns that excess water from Bhakra Dam could flow into Pakistan if not released, and claims Haryana has only received 6,800 cusecs so far, far below its requirements.
  • The Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab has announced state-wide protests against the BBMB decision, accusing the BJP-led central government of pressuring Punjab to prioritize Haryana's water needs.
  • Security has been heightened at the Bhakra Dam following the BBMB's decision, as tensions rise between the two states over conflicting water allocation claims.