Punjab's Water Resources Minister, Barinder Kumar Goyal, introduced a significant resolution in a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly on Monday. The resolution bly opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)'s decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
Punjab Assembly Session: The water dispute between Punjab and Haryana has once again escalated. The Punjab government has unequivocally declared that it will not provide even a drop of water beyond its allocated share to Haryana. In a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly convened on Monday, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal presented a resolution vehemently opposing the BBMB's decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
Convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the special session saw the Assembly unanimously pass the resolution, asserting that any infringement upon Punjab's water rights, especially given the state's water scarcity, would not be tolerated.
Water Provided to Haryana on Humanitarian Grounds: No More
Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal stated that Punjab had already provided 4,000 cusecs of water to Haryana on humanitarian grounds but had reached its water supply limit. He unequivocally stated that Punjab would not release any additional water to Haryana. Goyal accused the BBMB of being a puppet of the BJP government and alleged that the central government aimed to directly control Punjab's water resources. He further claimed that the 1981 water-sharing agreement was now irrelevant and a new agreement reflecting the current circumstances was necessary.
Serious Allegations Against the Center and BBMB
Goyal leveled serious accusations against the Bhakra Beas Management Board, claiming it had ceased to be an impartial institution and was operating under the BJP's political agenda. He stated that the late-night meeting held by the BBMB on April 30th was not only illegal but also aimed at undermining Punjab's water rights. Goyal asserted that this BBMB meeting was convened without following due legal process, without timely notification to Punjab, and without seriously considering Punjab's suggestions. He characterized the entire process as a violation of the Constitution and the federal structure.
'Dam Safety Act 2021' Deemed an Attack on the Federal Structure
The Punjab government also criticized the 'Dam Safety Act 2021' passed by the central government, terming it an attack on Punjab's rights. The resolution stated that this Act establishes central control over state rivers and dams, which is against the federal structure.
- No additional water will be released to Haryana.
- Condemnation of the unconstitutional meetings of the BBMB.
- Restructuring of the BBMB.
- Review of the 1981 water-sharing agreement.
- Directing the BBMB to abide by the law.
- Defining the limits of the BBMB's powers.
- Repeal of the Dam Safety Act 2021.
Appreciation for Canal Water Supply to Farmers
The resolution also highlighted the achievements of the Punjab government. The Water Minister stated that the Bhagwant Mann government had strengthened the canal system in recent years, enabling canal water to reach approximately 60% of the state's agricultural land. He claimed that these improvements were not favored by the BJP, hence their alleged conspiracy to weaken Punjab's water resources.
Barinder Goyal stated that Punjab had historically sacrificed its land and rivers to provide water to the nation, but now it struggles to secure its share of water. He explained that 80% of Punjab's total water resources have been allocated to non-riparian states, while these same states refused to accept excess water during Punjab's floods.
Unanimity Across Political Parties
The resolution received support from all parties. In an all-party meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on May 2nd, all political parties pledged to protect Punjab's rights. All parties agreed that the recent BBMB decision was against Punjab's interests and would not be allowed to be implemented.
The session began with tributes to those martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack. Thereafter, the water dispute remained the central focus. The Assembly made it clear that Punjab would not accept any interference from any state or institution in its water resources.
