Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute
The Punjab Government has heightened security at the Nangal dam due to a water-sharing conflict with Haryana. The issue escalated after the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) decided to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, a move that Punjab opposed.
Background of the Dispute
- Haryana is currently receiving 4,000 cusecs daily and requested an increase to 8,500 cusecs.
- Haryana's Chief Minister highlighted the state's drinking water needs, but Punjab's Chief Minister argued that Punjab is already facing a water crisis.
- In a meeting chaired by BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi voted in favor of the water release, leaving Punjab isolated. Himachal Pradesh abstained from voting.
Details of the Water Allocation
- For the current year, BBMB allocated:
- 5.512 Million Acre-foot (MAF) to Punjab,
- 2.987 MAF to Haryana,
- 3.318 MAF to Rajasthan.
- Haryana has already used 3.110 MAF, exceeding its share by 104%.
- Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams' water levels are significantly lower than last year, causing concern in Punjab.
Punjab's Response and Actions
- Punjab's ruling party AAP has organized district-level protests against the water release facilitated by BJP through BBMB.
- Punjab is exploring legal options to challenge the additional water release.
Expert Opinion
- AS Dulet, a water expert, suggests adjustments can be made for Haryana's drinking water needs without disrupting state quotas.
- Dulet emphasizes that any extra water given to Haryana should be compensated later and that state quotas should remain unchanged.
Next Steps
Punjab is firm on not allowing additional water to be forced across borders and is working on legal solutions to address this unprecedented situation.
