Haryana CM Says Punjab is Making Water Crisis a Political Issue

Chandigarh, April 30, 2025 — Haryana and Punjab's water sharing controversy has escalated further, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini accusing Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann of politicizing the issue.

Saini explained that Haryana is suffering from a severe dearth of drinking water, yet Punjab is not releasing that which is needed. He further mentioned that the state recently got only 4,000 cusecs of water, which is far less than required. Saini further remarked that this has nothing to do with the SYL canal, but with the basic drinking water of people.

In reply, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann stated that Haryana has already consumed over 100% of its share of water for the season. He also stated that Punjab requires water for its own crops and cannot provide more at present.

Saini was annoyed that Mann preferred responding in the form of a video message rather than replying to an official letter. He labelled the video misleading and added that Mann must not combine party politics with a humanitarian requirement such as water.

Saini also stated that the water-sharing board had already approved sending 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, but Punjab is deviating from the decision.

The problem persists unsolved, with both the states blaming each other while individuals in Haryana experience water shortages.