Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute: Key Facts and Developments

May 1, 2025 9:25 AM

Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute: Key Facts and Developments

Background

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has decided to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, a move strongly opposed by Punjab, which deems only 1,700 cusecs as appropriate. Punjab officials refused to sign the board’s resolution.

What Happened in the BBMB Meeting

Central Pressure: The meeting took place under instructions from Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who is also former Haryana CM.
Voting Outcome:
- In Favour of Haryana: Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Chandigarh
- Neutral: Himachal Pradesh
- Against: Punjab
Technical Committee Rejected: Punjab opposed forming a technical committee to revise the water regulation manual.

Punjab’s Stand

No Surplus Water: Claims there is no extra water to give.
Population-Based Allocation: Suggests water be allocated to Haryana based on population ratio, which it estimates as 1,700 cusecs.
Regulatory Manual Must Be Followed: Opposes bypassing existing regulatory norms under the pretext of “special circumstances.”

Haryana’s Demand

Immediate Water Need: Cites agricultural and drinking water shortages.
Political Support: Backed by BJP-ruled states and BBMB board members aligned with the Centre.

Administrative & Legal Issues

BBMB Overreach?: Board’s decision was based on “special case” clause, ignoring standard manual procedures.
Historical Distribution: As per Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the power generated from BBMB projects is split 58.42% for Punjab and 41.58% for Haryana.
Current Water Share Formula:
- Punjab: 51.8%
- Haryana: 37.51%
- Himachal Pradesh: 7.19%
- Chandigarh: 3.5%

What’s Next?

Legal Challenge Expected: Punjab has threatened to approach the courts, calling the BBMB decision unlawful.
Political Heat Rising: The conflict between Bhagwant Mann (Punjab CM) and Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana CM) could strain Centre-State relations.