Explained: Why water row between Punjab and Haryana has escalated

The issue escalated when the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) decided to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana despite objections by Punjab government officials who claim the neighbouring state has already utilised its share of water.

As the ministers from both states traded charges, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab decided to hold an all-party meet in Chandigarh.

On May 2, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made it clear that the AAP government will not release a “single drop of water” to the neighbouring state, claiming it has already utilised its share. It has also called a special Vidhan Sabha session on Monday (May 5) to discuss the issue.

So, what is this furore all about?

What is the river sharing agreement?

In sync with the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, the waters of Satluj, Ravi and Beas were allocated to India for its exclusive use.

After Punjab’s reorganisation in 1966, the Bhakra Management Board (BMB) was constituted. The administration and maintenance of the Bhakra-Nangal project was handed over to this board in 1967.

Later, when Beas project works were completed, the Beas Construction Board was handed over to the BMB, after which it was rechristened as the BBMB in 1976. The board ensures the supply of water to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh.

Also read: 'Not even a single drop': Punjab CM clears stand on releasing more water to Haryana

Each year, the water allocation to the states is decided twice — in the depletion period (between September 21- May 20) and in the filling period (May 21- September 20).

What is Haryana government’s demand?

Haryana, which is currently receiving 4,000 cusecs of water daily has now requested for an additional 4, 500 cusecs from the Bhakra dam.

Haryana argues that it needs the water for drinking purposes, especially in Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad districts, which are facing acute shortages.

What happened at BBMB meeting?

In a marathon meeting chaired by BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi on April 31, out of the five member states, the BJP -ruled Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi voted in favour of releasing water to Haryana. Punjab was isolated, as Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh chose not to vote for any side.

What Punjab government said?

The Punjab government claims that Haryana has already utilised its allocated share of water for September 21, 2024 — May 20, 2025 depletion period. Moreover, there is no water to spare since the dams are not full, with only the Bhakra Dam has 19 feet more water than its average level of 1,537 feet. And Punjab says it needs this water to irrigate its paddy fields in the upcoming sowing season till the monsoon arrives at the end of June.

According to Punjab CM, Haryana had utilised its share of water in March and was now seeking additional water for April and May.

Punjab claims that BBMB has already allocated 5.512 Million Acre-foot (MAF) to Punjab, 2.987 MAF to Haryana, and 3.318 MAF to Rajasthan at the start of the accounting year. Haryana has already withdrawn 3.110 MAF—which is 104 per cent of its share.

Also read: Punjab, Haryana sizzle under intense heat; Bathinda hottest at 44 deg C

Moreover, Punjab has said that water levels in the Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams are below average due to scant snowfall during the snow season. Mann noted that the Pong dam’s water level is 31.87 feet lower than last year, while Ranjit Sagar dam is 16.90 feet lower. Moreover, the state is now using canal water for irrigation to reduce pressure on groundwater reserves.

The Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema also asserted that the Haryana government should have used its wisdom on how to utilise water.

"They showed foolishness. Had they not wasted water, they would have used it by May 21. If they have used water earlier, it means they used water meant for drinking purposes for industry and agriculture. They misused water," he told the media.

What’s the political angle to this feud?

According to Mann, the BJP government of the Centre and Haryana have united against Punjab. “We will not tolerate another robbery of our rights by the BJP at any cost,” he said.

In a post on X, Mann accused the BJP in Haryana and at the Centre of "uniting" against Punjab. "The BJP can never be of Punjab and Punjabis," he said. “We will not tolerate another robbery of our rights by the BJP at any cost,” he asserted.

What actions have been taken by Punjab?

Punjab has stepped up security, and also deployed a host of police personnel and DIG-level officers at the Bhakra dam site. Mann even visited the Nangal dam - downstream from Bhakra - to ensure no additional water flowed to Haryana. The doors to the office where water is regulated has been locked and the key handed over to the police.

Also read: Farmers evicted, Haryana forces remove barricades to clear Shambhu-Ambala road

The AAP-led government has also called for an all party meeting on May 2.

What is the warning issued by Punjab CM?

Mann accused BBMB of acting unilaterally under pressure from BJP-led governments of Haryana, Rajasthan and at Centre.

"BBMB can't dictate term sto Punjab. We won't allow anyone to rob our waters," he said. Further, he warned the Centre to stop “hatching conspiracies” or else “forget about Punjab contributing paddy to PDS”.

Also, Mann reiterated: "Punjab is facing a water crisis. Paddy season is near. Haryana wants water for irrigation, but so do our farmers. The Centre should instead divert water from Chenab, Jhelum, and Ujh rivers to Punjab.”

Mann released a video saying that Haryana had already utilised 103 per cent of its allocated water share — 3.110 MAF against its allocated share of 2.987 MAF.

Haryana has already utilised 103 per cent of the annual 2.987 million acre-feet (MAF) allocation, using 3.11 MAF between September 21 and April 26, he reiterated. Rajasthan had used 110 per cent of its share, while Punjab had used only 89 per cent.

Haryana plays Pakistan card

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini accused the AAP government in Punjab of playing "dirty politics" over the water sharing issue. And accused Punjab of capping the Bhakra water supply at 4,000 cusecs.

This was the first time that the supply of drinking water had been halted, he said. Saini hit out at the AAP for "politicising" the issue and called it "deeply regrettable" and against the spirit of national unity.

Emphasising that this is not a matter of irrigation but of essential drinking water, the Haryana chief minister said such a basic human need must never be turned into a political tool.

"Water is a lifeline, not a political weapon. As our elder brother, Punjab should set an example, not block what is rightfully and ethically shared," he said

Further, he wrote to his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann on April 27, claiming that the Punjab government was not honouring the decision taken by the BBMB on April 23, allowing additional 4,500 cusecs to Haryana.

Punjab government, however, maintained that this demand was made over and above the 4,000 cusecs given to them on April 4, after they had already drawn their allocated share. And had opposed the additional allocation of water to Haryana in a BBMB meeting on April 28.

Saini said Haryana typically receives 9,000 cusecs from April to June, of which 500 cusecs go to Delhi and 800 to Rajasthan.

Saini appealed to Punjab to provide drinking water to them, saying otherwise the excess water from the Bhakra reservoir would flow to Pakistan.

"It is necessary to empty the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June so that rainwater can be stored during the monsoon. If there is no space left in the water reservoir, excess water will go to Pakistan via Hari-ke-Pattan, which is neither in the interest of Punjab nor the nation," he said.

How will this dispute get sorted out?

According to experts, the two states will have to arrive at an agreement through discussions. In case they fail to do so, the Union power ministry will issue directions, which can force the states to explore legal options.