Punjab-Haryana water dispute: Abhay Chautala threatens to block all Punjab routes through Haryana
PTC Web Desk: Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) national president Abhay Chautala has issued a stern warning in the wake of Punjab’s decision to cut water supply to Haryana through the Bhakra Canal. Chautala said, "If Haryana doesn’t receive its rightful share of water, the state will be compelled to block all routes from Punjab passing through Haryana. This is not an empty threat". He said Punjab was violating both legal and moral obligations.
Chautala reminded that the Supreme Court had already ruled in favour of Haryana receiving water through the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal—a promise still unfulfilled. He accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of making provocative and irresponsible statements aimed at dividing farmers from both states.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab recently slashed the water flow from the Bhakra Canal to Haryana—from 8,500 cusecs to just 4,000 cusecs. This drastic reduction has ignited a full-blown interstate conflict, with political tensions spilling over into administrative and regional impacts.
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which regulates water allocation, has received a formal request from the Haryana government to escalate the matter to the Centre under Section 7 of the BBMB Rules, 1974. The BBMB has since written to the Union Ministry of Power—under which it operates. The ministry is currently headed by Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana’s former CM, who is now expected to make a decision on the matter.
The water cut has triggered a severe crisis in several parts of Haryana. Hisar and Sirsa are facing drinking water shortages. In Fatehabad, irrigation has been suspended. In Jind, all construction activities and washing stations have been closed. In Jhajjar, advisories have been issued to farmers, and public bathing has been restricted. In Panchkula, the authorities have warned of disconnecting water supply lines if the crisis persists.
Chief Minister Nayab Saini also expressed deep concern, stating that the water crisis in Haryana could directly affect Delhi’s water supply. He criticised Punjab for politicising water distribution now that AAP no longer governs Haryana.
The Haryana CM clarified that this was not a SYL-related issue, but one concerning essential drinking water. Every year, Haryana is allocated 9,000 cusecs of water by the BBMB in April, May, and June.
Saini noted that BBMB's technical committee had already decided on April 23 to release water to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. However, Punjab's officers are stalling its implementation, putting basic human needs at risk.
In response to the mounting criticism, the Punjab government claimed it has already provided 4,000 cusecs of water on humanitarian grounds. It accused Haryana of consuming 103% of its water quota, while Punjab has only received 89% of its share. Punjab also cited the technical limit of 10,000 cusecs in the canal system and said that its reservoir levels are below normal, especially with the rice-sowing season approaching.
CM Bhagwant Mann firmly stated: "Water is the lifeline of Punjab. We cannot and will not give more than what’s feasible. The water allocation must be based on scientific logic and fairness. Haryana’s demands appear politically motivated. This is a fight to protect our rights, not just water."
- PTC NEWS
