Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated categorically that Punjab has no additional water to provide Haryana. He made it clear that legally and according to statistics, Punjab has already provided Haryana with more water than its quota for the year.
Haryana consumed its entire quota in 10 months and now wants additional water for the next two months. Mann added that the situation has now changed compared to the past when Haryana received more water.
He further mentioned that the canal system has been enhanced by Punjab and that it currently utilises approximately 60% of its water compared to a meager 21-22% previously.
Owing to this, Punjab has been utilising its own water to its best and is now unable to avail any surplus water. Water content in crucial reservoirs such as Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar remains much less in comparison to previous year, causing it more challenging to release any additional water.
Punjab is resisting the Bhakra Beas Management Board's directive to let out additional water to Haryana, claiming it will safeguard its water resources and not part with even a single drop more.
The standoff has prompted Punjab to summon a special assembly session to debate the matter, while Haryana claims it requires additional water urgently, particularly for drinking in drought-stricken regions.
