Mann, Bajwa spar over state's riparian rights

Resolution flays BJP for 'attempting to undermine Punjab's water rights through its influence in BBMB'

- Gurpreet Singh Nibber and Ravinder Vasudeva

CHANDIGARH: Amid a stand-off over water-sharing between Punjab and Haryana, the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab moved a resolution in the state assembly on Monday, vowing not to share any additional water with Haryana.

This resolution was passed during a special session convened to address the ongoing water-sharing row.

Punjab's water resources minister Barinder Kumar Goyal introduced the resolution, stating that while the state will continue providing 4,000 cusecs of water to Haryana for drinking purposes, no more water will be allocated. Goyal also criticised the BJP for attempting to undermine Punjab's water rights through its influence in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the central government.

During the session, BJP members Ashwani Sharma and Jangi Lal Mahajan expressed support for the resolution but objected to the inclusion of the BJP in the text, claiming it was a political move by the ruling AAP to score points. Following a second voice vote for clarity, the two BJP MLAs reaffirmed their support for the resolution.

The resolution accused the BJP of convening the BBMB meetings unconstitutionally, in a bid to forcibly allocate Punjab's water to Haryana. It demanded the reorganisation of BBMB to ensure Punjab's water rights are protected.

The resolution also highlighted the Mann government's efforts to improve canal irrigation within Punjab, noting that until 2021, only 22% of fields received canal water, but now nearly 60% do.

Punjab's leaders stressed that every drop of water in the state is now vital, especially given the growing water scarcity. The resolution pointed out that while Haryana initially requested 1,700 cusecs of water for drinking purposes, their new demand of 8,500 cusecs was excessive and unjustifiable.