Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], May 14 (HBTV): Following an all-party meeting over the water-sharing dispute with Punjab, Haryana Minister Shruti Chaudhary on Saturday criticised the Punjab government and alleged that due to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s ‘undemocratic action’, Haryana is being denied its rightful share of water.

‘Everyone today has condemned (Punjab CM) Bhagwant Mann’s most undemocratic and unconstitutional action against BBMB’s decision, as a result of which, Haryana is not getting its share of water. The state government will do everything that is required,’ Shruti Chaudhary told reporters.

Earlier on Saturday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini appealed to the people of both states to maintain peace and stated that in the all-party meeting, a resolution was passed urging the Punjab government to implement the decision made by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release Haryana’s share of water.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the Haryana Chief Minister said that the state is currently facing issues related to drinking water.

‘I want to tell Mann sahib (Punjab CM) that this water doesn’t belong to Punjab only but to the whole country. On 23rd April, the Bhakra Beas Management Board decided to give 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, but the Mann government did not honour this decision. On 30th April, in the BBMB meeting, a resolution was passed to implement the 23rd April decision. 12.55 MAF water is allotted to Haryana against 10.67 MAF given to the state. Punjab is using more than its share of water. Haryana is getting 17 per cent less water than originally allocated to it. At least don’t do politics on water meant for drinking purpose. Today, in Haryana, we are facing issues related to drinking water,’ the Haryana CM said.

He reiterated that the Punjab government should release Haryana’s share of water.

‘In the all-party meeting today, it was decided that the Mann government (Punjab government) should release our share of water. We have also passed a resolution that the Punjab government should implement the decision taken by BBMB on 23rd April to release Haryana’s share of water. We also appeal to the people of both states to maintain peace,’ the Chief Minister added.

BBMB had recently ordered that an additional 8,500 cusecs of water be released to Haryana.

Earlier on Saturday, the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government in Haryana convened an all-party meeting in Chandigarh.

The statement comes after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised concerns on May 1 regarding the declining water levels in major reservoirs. He noted that water levels in Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam were 32 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet below the levels recorded last year, respectively.

(ANI)