Chandigarh— The Punjab Legislative Assembly convened a special session on Monday to strongly oppose the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) recent directive to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. The session, initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, aims to pass a resolution asserting Punjab’s water rights, drawing rare political unity across party lines.
Chief Minister Mann emphasised that the state’s water needs must take precedence, describing the BBMB’s decision as unjust and detrimental to Punjab. “We will not allow Punjab’s water to be taken away under any pretext. This is not about politics; it’s about our survival,” he said.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused both the Haryana and Central governments of trying to “loot” Punjab’s water resources. “Punjab has already provided more than its share. Our government will not let this happen,” he asserted.
Echoing the sentiment, Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa reaffirmed his party’s stance. “Congress has always stood with the people of Punjab. No water will be given to any other state at the cost of Punjab’s needs,” he declared.
Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal underscored the legal aspect, stating, “The issue is not just the current water levels but the fair and lawful allocation. The BBMB must act within the legal framework.”
Meanwhile, MLA Sandeep Jakhar drew attention to the quality of water being supplied within Punjab. “While we are fighting over quantity, many residents are still struggling with access to clean water,” he said.
Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira criticised the AAP government for its delayed reaction, referencing the Dam Safety Act, 2021. “This Act has already centralised dam control. CM Mann, who was an MP back then, did not raise objections. This response now is too little, too late,” Khaira argued.
The session was preceded by an all-party meeting on May 2, where leaders unanimously opposed the BBMB’s April 30 order. The meeting emphasised that Punjab has a rightful claim to its waters and condemned what they called “central overreach” through BBMB decisions.
Chief Minister Mann shared on social media, “Today, all Punjab parties stood together against the exploitation of our water. We will not let a single drop be taken unfairly.”
As water levels in key reservoirs decline, the Punjab Assembly is expected to adopt a formal resolution opposing the release and demanding greater control over the state’s water resources.
