Punjab Haryana Water Dispute Intensifies: CM Bhagwant Mann Vows Not to Tolerate “Robbery of Rights”

Punjab Haryana Water Dispute : In a move that has sparked massive political unrest and public outcry, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has decided to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, igniting a fierce response from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has termed it a “robbery” of Punjab’s rightful share.

Security Beefed Up at Nangal Dam

Anticipating tensions on the ground, the Punjab government has intensified security at Nangal Dam, where the decision was announced late Wednesday evening following a five-hour-long technical committee meeting of the BBMB.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has already reached the dam site, while CM Mann is expected to arrive shortly for a firsthand review.

CM Mann’s Fierce Opposition: “Not One Drop Will Be Given Unjustly”

Reacting strongly, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared on X (formerly Twitter):

“We will not tolerate another robbery of Punjab’s rights by the BJP. This decision to release water to Haryana is unacceptable. BJP and the Centre have ganged up against Punjab, but we will resist with full strength.”

Mann reiterated that Haryana had already consumed 103% of its allocated share by March 31 and that Punjab has no surplus water, especially with paddy sowing season approaching.

BBMB Decision: Politics Over Parity?

According to sources, Punjab officials vehemently opposed the BBMB’s move during the meeting, arguing that both Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams have lower water levels compared to the previous year.

In a controversial twist, BJP-ruled Rajasthan supported Haryana, further fueling allegations of political bias.

AAP Unites in Protest Across Punjab

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched statewide protests against the decision, accusing the BJP-led Centre of pressuring BBMB to favor Haryana.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said:

“By giving more water to Haryana, the BJP government has once again betrayed Punjab. This is a clear example of Centre’s anti-Punjab stance.”

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora went a step further, warning:

“We’re ready to make any sacrifice. The BJP’s gundagardi will be met with a strong and united response from Punjab.”

Background: What the Numbers Say

Here’s a breakdown of BBMB’s water distribution this year till March 31:

• Punjab: 5.512 MAF
• Haryana: 2.987 MAF
• Rajasthan: 3.318 MAF

Despite already using its share, Haryana sought additional water for April and May, prompting Mann to generously allow 4,000 cusecs/day from April 6, purely as a humanitarian gesture.

What’s at Stake for Punjab

With paddy sowing set to begin, Punjab faces the risk of a water crisis, especially when the state’s groundwater levels are already under stress.

Political analysts fear that the decision may deepen the Centre-state rift, particularly ahead of upcoming elections where water rights and federal interference have become major flashpoints.

The Punjab-Haryana water dispute is no longer just a technical issue—it has now turned into a high-voltage political storm. With Punjab refusing to back down and AAP intensifying protests, all eyes are on CM Mann’s upcoming visit to the dam and how the Centre responds.