Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], May 15 (HBTV): An all-party meeting chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was held on Saturday to discuss the ongoing water-sharing dispute between Haryana and Punjab. A unanimous resolution was passed, urging the Punjab government to implement, without conditions, the decisions of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) technical committee.
During the meeting, leaders condemned what they described as the 'inhumane, unjust, illegal, and unconstitutional ban' on Haryana’s share of water and demanded its immediate lifting.
The meeting was attended by several prominent leaders, including State Cabinet Ministers Anil Vij, Ranbir Gangwa, Shyam Singh Rana, and Shruti Choudhry; BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli; Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Udaybhan; INLD’s Rampal Majra and Aditya Devilal; JJP’s Dushyant Chautala and Amarjeet Dhanda; AAP's Sushil Gupta; BSP's Krishan Jamalpur; CPI(M)’s Omprakash; and Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Khullar.
Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi gave a presentation on the past ten years of water distribution data. Expressing concern over a potential drinking water crisis, leaders across parties criticised Punjab’s alleged obstruction of Haryana’s water share, calling it unconstitutional and against the principles of federalism.
The resolution presented by CM Saini stated: 'We resolve to stand united in safeguarding Haryana's rightful share of water and ensuring the early construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Together, we are prepared to pursue all necessary legal avenues and undertake every possible political effort at both the state and central levels to protect the interests of Haryana.'
He also appealed to citizens of both states to maintain peace and harmony and to remain cautious of misleading narratives that could sow discord.
The resolution was unanimously adopted, with all party leaders affirming their support for the government and Chief Minister on this issue.
Addressing the press, CM Saini strongly criticised the Punjab government, accusing it of blocking drinking water meant for Haryana in an unconstitutional manner. He stated that the Haryana government is considering all options to secure its rightful water share, including approaching the Centre and convening a special session of the Haryana Assembly.
He further emphasised that water is a national resource, not the exclusive property of any one state. 'The Punjab government's attempt to mislead people for political gain is highly condemnable. The common public, whether in Haryana or Punjab, should not suffer due to this issue,' he added.
In response to a recent remark by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Saini said all political leaders in Haryana unanimously condemned the statement. He urged that the dispute be approached with mutual respect and in the spirit of national unity, not political opportunism.
The Chief Minister revealed that Punjab’s officials had failed to implement the BBMB technical committee’s April 23 decision to release water to Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Despite personal communication and written correspondence with CM Mann, no action was taken, he said. Instead, the Punjab CM released a video for political purposes, ignoring the facts, Saini alleged.
Providing data, CM Saini stated that Haryana's allocated water share is 12.55 MAF, but it receives only 10.67 MAF. Punjab, with an allocation of 14.67 MAF, is reportedly using 17.15 MAF — exceeding its share by a significant margin. Haryana, meanwhile, is receiving 17 per cent less than its entitlement.
He also said that in May 2022, Haryana received an average of 9,780 cusecs; in May 2023, 9,633 cusecs; and in May 2024, 10,062 cusecs. He stressed that Punjab's current objections appear politically motivated, especially post-Delhi election results, suggesting retaliation against Delhi residents.
He accused the Punjab government of weakening the federal structure and defying Supreme Court rulings, particularly with its continued opposition to the construction of the SYL canal.
Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda also extended support to the Chief Minister, calling Punjab’s actions unconstitutional and inhumane. He reiterated that water allocation should depend on dam levels, which have been lower in previous years without affecting Haryana’s share.
Hooda said: 'The only solution to this dispute lies in the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. All political parties are united on this issue. We stand together with the Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, to resolve the drinking water crisis currently affecting Haryana.'
AAP Haryana president Sushil Gupta also voiced support for the state government and called for a meeting with the Prime Minister to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, BBMB has ordered an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to be released to Haryana. This follows Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s May 1 statement citing declining water levels in key reservoirs, including Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam. (ANI)