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Punjab and Haryana Lock Horns Over Bhakra Water Allocation

Punjab tightens dam security and calls special assembly session as Haryana holds all-party meeting to assert water rights.

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Chief minister Bhagwant Mann with state minister Harjot Singh Bains and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) officials during a visit to Nangal dam in Rupnagar district on Thursday. (X)
Mann on Thursday visited the Nangal dam in Rupnagar district where state minister Harjot Singh Bains held a ‘dharna’ along with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers. Bains claimed they locked a room at the Nangal dam from where water supply is regulated. (HT File)
Police stopping AAP leaders from heading towards the BJP office in Ludhiana. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

Overview

  • The Bhakra Beas Management Board's order to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana has escalated into a major inter-state dispute.
  • Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has refused the release, citing water scarcity and claiming Haryana has already exceeded its allocated share.
  • Punjab convened an all-party meeting on May 2, achieving unanimous political opposition to the BBMB's decision, while a special legislative session is set for May 5.
  • Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini held an all-party meeting on May 3, emphasizing Haryana's legal entitlement to the water and accusing Punjab of politicizing the issue.
  • The Union Home Ministry has involved state chief secretaries in discussions, but no resolution has been reached, with tensions over water rights and federal governance persisting.