BBMB meeting ends in deadlock: Haryana makes fresh demand for 10,300 cusecs daily, Punjab says it’s ‘unfeasible’

Punjab and Haryana are at loggerheads over the water distribution, with the AAP government in the border state refusing to share water from the Bhakra Dam, saying the neighbouring state has already utilised its share of water.

“By making these technically impossible demands, Haryana is deliberately creating complications in the water-sharing arrangement,” said the minister, adding: “Punjab has consistently adhered to all BBMB rules and regulations, while Haryana continues to shift its position.”

“We will not allow the robbing of our rights. The BJP-ruled state’s tactics appear designed to create an impossible situation rather than work toward practical solutions,” he said.

“They had written that they would require 9,525 cusecs from May 21. Suddenly, in the meeting, they started seeking 10,300 cusecs. Our officials told Haryana that this was impossible as the Bhakra Main Line (BML) canal has a capacity of 11,700 cusecs.”

“We need 3,000 cusecs for the drinking needs of Punjab residents. The BML canal is already under repair and maintenance. The release of water depends on how much pressure it can withstand. If we fulfil Haryana’s demand, our people will be left without drinking water,” Goyal said. The minister said Haryana reiterated its earlier demand for 8,500 cusecs of water, “which our technical team clearly explained was impossible to provide”. “We have been giving them 4000 cusecs extra since April 3. We will take it back as and when our demand rises. We have the right to take our water back,” he said.

“BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi asked officials of both states to maintain peace. He said he would handle the issue on his own,” Goyal said.

Goyal also said that Rajasthan thanked Punjab for giving 5500 cusecs to the Indian Army, given the tension between India and Pakistan. “Rajasthan officials thanked us, while Haryana is singing the same tune. We cannot help if they exceed their demand. We will not give them extra water,” he said.

Headed by Chairman Tripathi, the meeting was attended by Punjab Water Resources Secretary Krishan Kumar and Chief Engineer Sher Singh. Chief engineers from Haryana and Rajasthan attended the meeting while Central government representatives participated virtually.

Punjab did not utilise its 100 per cent quota for the last cycle ending May 20. Official sources said the state government planned to utilise its entire quota this year. A government statement quoted Goyal as saying, “Punjab officials presented documentation of Haryana’s previous written request for 9,525 cusecs during the meeting, highlighting the contradiction with their new demand.

The BBMB chairman acknowledged the discrepancy and committed to examining the matter further.”

According to an official, till May 30, Punjab has demanded 3000 cusecs per day. From June 1 onwards, when paddy transplantation starts, it will need 22,000 cusecs to supply the fields.

“Later, as the paddy season peaks, Punjab will need about 40,000 cusecs daily. Last year, our peak season flow was 32,000 cusecs per day. We used only 90 per cent of our share in the current year cycle. From the next cycle onwards, we plan to utilise 100 per cent of our share. We are working on supplying maximum water through canals. Our drains are desilted. We have cleaned the water channels to the fields. The water is now reaching the tail end,” the official added.

However, Haryana demanded that the AAP dispensation allow the release of water from the Bhakra Dam unconditionally. Both states had called an all-party meeting to back their stands over the water issue.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on May 2 chaired a high-level meeting, which advised Punjab to implement the BBMB’s decision to release 4,500 cusecs of extra water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana for the next eight days to meet the state’s urgent water requirements.

Later, the AAP government convened a special assembly session that unanimously passed a resolution, stating that not even a single drop of water will be given from the state’s share to Haryana.

The matter has even reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court after the BBMB, in its plea, strongly objected to the deployment of the Punjab Police at the Nangal dam. The high court on May 6 directed Punjab to abide by the decision of the meeting held on May 2 under the chairmanship of the Union Home Secretary.

Punjab later filed an application seeking a review or modification of the HC’s order. On Wednesday, the high court sought a response from the Centre, Haryana and the BBMB on Punjab’s plea.

(With PTI inputs)