Saturday, March 29, 2025
Chandigarh | May 7, 2025 — The Punjab Haryana water dispute has escalated into a full-blown legal battle as both states clash over water sharing and control of the Bhakra Dam. The matter is being heard for a second consecutive day in the Punjab and Haryana High Court after multiple petitions were filed seeking judicial intervention.
On Monday, the court issued notices to the Centre, Punjab and Haryana governments, and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), asking them to respond to the allegations and provide clarity on water allocation and dam control.
In a startling claim, the BBMB has filed a petition stating that Punjab Police has taken full control of the Bhakra Dam, including its critical control units. The agency alleged that the deployment was unauthorized and interfered with federal control mechanisms over water distribution. BBMB, a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament, is responsible for managing the dam’s operations.
Haryana’s Advocate General informed the court that over 200 water tanks in the state have dried up due to Punjab allegedly halting the supply. He demanded that Haryana receive its rightful share of water — 8500 cusecs — as per BBMB’s decisions.
In contrast, Punjab has argued that it has already provided Haryana with its fair share and cannot supply more. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, during a special session of the state assembly, made it clear that the state would not release any additional water to Haryana in the future. The assembly passed six resolutions supporting the government’s stance.
Haryana CM Nayab Saini strongly condemned Punjab’s resolution, calling it “unconstitutional and against the federal structure of India.” He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of drinking water to Haryana. Saini also accused Punjab of endangering interstate relations and violating court orders.
Responding to Saini’s allegation that water was being diverted to Pakistan instead of Haryana, CM Mann retorted, “Not a single drop is going to Pakistan.”
The High Court is expected to examine the legality of the dam’s control and the implementation of BBMB’s decisions. A verdict could set a significant precedent in India’s interstate water disputes.
The Punjab Haryana water dispute, already a sensitive interstate issue, has now reached a critical stage. As both governments stick to their positions, and BBMB raises concerns over dam control, all eyes are on the High Court’s upcoming decisions.
