- विज्ञापन -
Chandigarh: Amid ongoing tensions over water sharing between Haryana and Punjab, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticized the politicization of the issue, emphasizing that Haryana is simply asking for its fair share of water and that politics should not be involved.
Saini expressed his disappointment that the water dispute has taken a political turn, saying, “We didn’t expect water to become a political issue to this extent. We are not requesting canal water for a single individual but for the entire society and 2.8 crore (28 million) people of Haryana. We are not asking for extra water; we want the same share Haryana used to receive earlier. We are open to talks with all leaders. It is unfortunate that drinking water supplies are being halted.”
His statement comes after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised concerns on May 1 about falling water levels in major reservoirs like Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam, which are now 32, 12, and 14 feet below last year’s levels, respectively.
Mann also criticized the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for instructing Punjab to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, arguing that Punjab is already struggling with its own water shortages due to the upcoming paddy season and declining groundwater.
In response to these concerns, Punjab’s government has called an all-party meeting scheduled for May 2 to discuss water rights and is likely to hold a special assembly session on Monday to propose measures addressing the issue.
The Congress party’s Punjab unit has also expressed support for the Punjab government. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring stated, “We never stopped water flow for 10 years. If Punjab faces a water shortage, it’s natural that we prioritize our own needs. Though Delhi and Haryana may need more water, we have already released Punjab’s fair share. We stand with the people and the government of Punjab. If our water is stolen, what will be left of Punjab?”
