Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], May 14 (HBTV): Amid the ongoing water-sharing dispute between Haryana and Punjab, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday appealed to the people of both states to maintain peace. He stated that during the all-party meeting, a resolution was passed urging the Punjab government to implement the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to release Haryana’s share of water.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said the state is currently grappling with a drinking water crisis.

‘I want to tell Mann sahib (Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann) 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 purposes. Today, in Haryana, we are facing issues related to drinking water,’ Saini said.

He further emphasised that Punjab must 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.

The Bhakra Beas Management Board recently ordered that an additional 8,500 cusecs of water be released to Haryana.

Earlier on Saturday, the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government held an all-party meeting in Chandigarh to discuss the issue.

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

CM Mann also criticised the BBMB for directing Punjab to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. He strongly opposed the directive, arguing that Punjab is already struggling with its own water requirements due to the upcoming paddy sowing season and declining groundwater levels.

Amid growing concerns over Punjab’s water rights, CM Mann convened an all-party meeting on May 2. The Punjab government is also expected to call a special session of the Assembly on Monday to table a proposal addressing the issue.

(ANI)