Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute Deepens

May 3, 2025 1:07 PM

Saini Govt Calls All-Party Meeting — What Are the Possible Next Steps?

The long-standing water dispute between Punjab and Haryana has intensified amid growing summer water scarcity. Haryana has demanded additional water to meet rising needs, while Punjab has firmly rejected the request, citing below-average snowfall and already low water reserves. The issue has triggered a fresh political storm in both states.

In response to the escalating tensions, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini has convened an all-party meeting today. Meanwhile, Punjab has tightened security around the Nangal Dam, signaling the seriousness of the conflict. On Friday, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs held a high-level meeting in Delhi to discuss the matter, involving officials from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had recently ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana—a move strongly opposed by the Punjab government.

“Punjab Doesn’t Have a Drop to Spare”

The conflict resurfaced during a BBMB meeting, where Haryana demanded an increase in its water allotment from 4,000 cusecs to 8,500 cusecs. CM Saini stated that he had reached out to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to highlight Haryana’s needs. In response, CM Mann asserted that Punjab is already facing a water crisis and cannot release even a single drop more.

Voting in Haryana’s Favor

On April 30, a BBMB meeting chaired by Chairman Manoj Tripathi saw BJP-ruled Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi vote in favor of Haryana’s demand. Himachal Pradesh, governed by Congress, abstained from voting, leaving Punjab isolated in its opposition. Notably, the Bhakra Dam is located in Himachal Pradesh, while the Nangal Dam is in Punjab.

Punjab’s Stand: “Haryana Already Received More Than Allotted”

Punjab officials argue that water allocations are made at the beginning of each financial year. For the current year:

Punjab was allocated 5.512 million acre-feet (MAF),
Haryana 2.987 MAF,
Rajasthan 3.318 MAF.

However, Haryana has already drawn 3.110 MAF, exceeding its quota, citing urgent drinking water needs.

What Are the Next Options?

Punjab claims that this year’s low snowfall has caused water levels in Pong and Ranjit Sagar Dams to drop significantly. The state argues that it has prioritized canal water for irrigation over groundwater since taking office to preserve underground reserves.

Experts say Haryana currently has no major crisis in its drinking water supply. If a shortfall arises, water could be shared—but only if Punjab is not in need. At the moment, Punjab is preparing to legally challenge any further release of water to Haryana.