Haryana Water Crisis: Centre Orders Punjab to Release 4,500 Cusecs Water to Haryana for 8 Days: BBMB Steps In Amid Dispute

Haryana Water Crisis: Centre directs Punjab to release 4,500 cusecs of Bhakra dam water to Haryana for 8 days after repeated refusals. BBMB to compensate Punjab later during dam-filling.

Chandigarh, May 2 – In a crucial step to resolve the escalating water-sharing conflict between Punjab and Haryana, the Central Government has directed Punjab to release 4,500 cusecs of water daily for the next eight days to Haryana. This water will be released from the Bhakra Dam, following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan.

The meeting, held in New Delhi, was attended by senior officials from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and representatives of the four partner states — Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Centre Steps In Amid Rising Tensions

This directive comes after Punjab repeatedly refused to release water to Haryana, raising concerns about water scarcity in Haryana’s agricultural belt. The Centre’s intervention was deemed necessary to address Haryana’s “urgent water needs,” particularly in light of increasing heat and growing crop demands.

Punjab to Get Extra Water Later During Dam-Filling

According to official sources, it was mutually agreed that Punjab will be compensated during the dam-filling period, when BBMB will provide excess water to Punjab to fulfill any additional requirements.

“This arrangement ensures fair distribution of water and maintains the cooperative spirit among partner states,” said a BBMB official.

Why This Matters

Water disputes between Haryana and Punjab have long been a source of political and regional tension. With Haryana depending on timely water release for irrigation and drinking water, the Centre’s move brings temporary relief but also highlights the urgent need for a long-term water-sharing solution.

BBMB’s Role as Peacekeeper

The BBMB, established to manage the water resources of the Bhakra and Beas river systems, played a mediatory role in this decision. Its agreement to adjust the allocation in Punjab’s favor later was key to breaking the deadlock.

Farmers in Haryana Breathe a Sigh of Relief

Haryana’s agricultural sector, especially in districts like Hisar, Karnal, and Kurukshetra, had begun to report concerns over delayed irrigation cycles due to reduced water flow. With this decision, farmers can now expect better water availability for their Kharif sowing.