Not a Single Drop of Punjab’s Water Will Be Surrendered: CM Bhagwant Mann

October 27, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday took a tough stand on the state’s river water rights in the Assembly, saying that not a single drop of Punjab’s share of water will be given to anyone. The resolution on the state’s water rights was passed on the last day of the Assembly session.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab will fight to protect its water rights, from the courts to the streets. He questioned Rajasthan’s unpaid use of Punjab’s water and cited the state’s outstanding royalty claim as amounting to ₹1.43 lakh crore. He also said that Rajasthan and Haryana have no share in the water of the Ravi and Beas rivers.

Bhagwant Mann said that his government is continuously working to strengthen the state’s irrigation network. In the last four years, canal water access has been increased from 22 percent to nearly 80 percent of farmland. Additionally, 14,000 kilometers of underground pipelines have been laid in the state.

Punjab’s water rights will not be compromised: CM Mann

Participating in a discussion on river water and other important issues on the final day of the Assembly session, the Chief Minister stated that Punjab will no longer tolerate injustice in the distribution of its precious water resources.

He said, “Water is a state subject, and the control of headworks rests with the states. Punjab will vigorously fight for its legitimate rights and will not allow the state’s interests to be sacrificed.”

The Chief Minister questioned Haryana’s claim to the waters of the Ravi and Beas rivers. He said it is unjust that Haryana claims the waters of the Ravi and Beas, while Punjab’s rightful share of the Yamuna is being ignored. He noted that the Yamuna was also a part of undivided Punjab.

Canal water supply increased from 22 to 80 percent of farms

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, highlighting the changes made to the irrigation system, said that when his government assumed office in 2012, only about 22 percent of Punjab’s farmland was being utilized. Now, this figure has increased to nearly 80 percent.

He said that the government has made extensive improvements to the canal irrigation system to ensure that canal water reaches the last mile of the fields. To this end, work has been done to clean the canals, lay 14,000 kilometers of underground pipelines, and rehabilitate canals and waterways.

According to the Chief Minister, these efforts have increased the availability of irrigation water for farmers and strengthened the state’s agricultural system.

Kandi Canal restored after four decades

Bhagwant Mann said that his government has revived the Kandi Canal after nearly four decades. Additionally, eight new canals have also been commissioned in Pathankot, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur districts.

He said that due to the government’s efforts, 60.80 lakh acres of land have been irrigated. The government’s objective is to make efficient use of every drop of water, strengthen agriculture, and provide relief to farmers.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government will utilize all legitimate options to protect Punjab’s water rights and ensure justice for the people of the state.