Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], May 8 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini slammed his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, over remarks made during the ongoing water-sharing dispute between the two states.

On May 1, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised concerns over the decreasing water levels in key 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.

Haryana CM Saini responded by saying that no one should speak in such a manner, as water is essential for life. He termed Mann’s comments ‘unfortunate’ and urged political leaders to avoid politicising a life-critical issue.

‘One should not talk like this because a person's life depends on water. It is not that we do not have even a drop of water; I request everyone not to do politics. This is unfortunate because this type of politics does not last long. It harms the state, and oneself as well,’ Saini told ANI during the Walk for Drug Free Chandigarh event.

Tensions escalated after the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) directed Punjab to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. CM Mann strongly opposed the directive, stating that Punjab is already grappling with its own water needs due to the upcoming paddy sowing season and declining groundwater levels.

Amidst the escalating concerns over Punjab’s water rights, CM Mann called an all-party meeting on May 2 to discuss the issue. The Punjab government is also expected to convene a special session of the Assembly on Monday to table a proposal addressing the matter.

Additionally, the state unit of the Congress party has extended support to the Punjab government.

‘We never stopped the water for 10 years... But if there is a water shortage in Punjab, it is natural that we will prioritise Punjab... Maybe Delhi and Haryana need more water, but we have already released their share of water. We are with the people of Punjab and the Punjab government on this topic. If they will steal our water too, then what will be left of the state?’ said PCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday.

(ANI)