- विज्ञापन -
Chandigarh, April 29: In a major development that has sparked political and regional tensions, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has sharply reduced the water supply to Haryana from the Bhakra Canal-from 9.500 cusecs to just 4,000 cusecs. This move, made around 15 days ago, is expected to severely impact irrigation and drinking water supplies in Haryana, especially in five key districts.
The districts of Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Rohtak, and Mahendragarh are likely to be the worst affected, with the water shortage expected to become visible by May 20. Farmers in these areas could face difficulties in irrigating their crops, while urban and rural populations may struggle to access adequate drinking water.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has strongly objected to Punjab’s decision and has reportedly spoken directly with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, urging a reversal. “This decision is not appropriate, and Punjab must restore the full 9,000 cusecs of water as per the agreement,” said Saini, according to sources.
The dispute centres around water sharing from the Bhakra Nangal Project on the Sutlej River, a lifeline for both states. The water-sharing arrangement stems from a 1976 central notification and a subsequent 1981 agreement that apportions 3.5 million acre-feet (MAF) of water to Haryana.
Punjab, however, is standing firm. CM Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led Central government of exerting pressure to release more water to Haryana, calling it “dirty trick”. “We don’t have even a drop extra water to spare,” Mann said. “If the Centre wants to compensate Haryana, let them first divert the water stopped from Pakistan into our dams.”
The escalating row could have wider political implications and revive longstanding issues surrounding the unresolved Sutlej-Yamuna (SYL) Canal project, which has been a flashpoint between the two states for decades.
