Bhakra Beas Management Board: Water Wars Simmer Between Punjab and Haryana intensify
"Haryana threatens Punjab: Bhakra Dam excess water may flow to Pakistan amid escalating water disputes"
In the chaotic aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, a power struggle over water has emerged on the Indian subcontinent. A heated row between Punjab and Haryana is heating up, accusing the opposing state of selfish water distribution from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Political Musings Stay Updated The latest political squabble between neighboring states showcases the water crisis冷暖暖ction and the alleged undermining of Haryana's agriculture industry. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala condemns the alleged reduction of water flow from the BBMB, blaming the central government for inaction and highlighting the scorching water drought in Haryana.
Surjewala lambasted the Union Power Ministry for drastically cutting Haryana's water share from 8,500 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs, stating, "Several areas in Haryana are dealing with extreme water shortages. Meanwhile, the tanker mafia is thriving while the government stands silent."
Haryana: Run Drought, Run!
Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, has begged neighboring Punjab to release extra water from the Bhakra Reservoir, warning of dire consequences if water continues to flow towards Pakistan through Hari-ke-Pattan. Saini insists that emptying the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June is imperative to store monsoon rains and avoid pointless losses. He implores, "It is crucial to empty the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June so that rainwater can be stored during the monsoon. If there's no room left in the water reservoir, surplus water will flow into Pakistan via Hari-ke-Pattan, which is damaging to Punjab and the entire nation."
Saini also cautions that the dispute may impact Delhi's drinking water supply. "Earlier, the Punjab government had no qualms about water flowing to Delhi during AAP's rule. Now, with a change in leadership, why punish Delhiites?" he wonders. He clarifies that out of the BBMB's water release to Haryana, substantial amounts are diverted to Delhi, Rajasthan, and even Punjab itself, leaving only 6,800 cusecs for Haryana.
Punjab: A Drowning Crisis
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has steadfastly denied adding any additional water to Haryana, claiming that Punjab has already surpassed its allocated water quota by 3% in March. Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains accused the BJP of putting pressure on Punjab through the BBMB and insists that Punjab is currently in the throes of a severe water crisis, with most districts in the "dark zone."
Centre: Sound Criticism
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu slammed Mann for stirring up internal strife at a time when India stands united against Pakistan. He branded Mann's actions as deceitful and disgraceful, demanding an apology in the public sphere. The conflict has been a recurring issue for decades, with Haryana having completed its share, while Punjab refuses to progress on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. The BBMB is scheduled for water allocation review on May 21st.
(With inputs from agencies)
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A Few Nuggets of Wisdom
The dispute originates from the historic partition of Punjab in 1966, leading to contention over river waters.During the crucial paddy sowing season, Punjab has reduced water allocation for Haryana from 9,500 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs, causing outrage.Punjab asserts that Haryana has exceeded its agreed water quota, while Haryana claims the decision violates the long-standing water-sharing agreement and threatens drinking water and irrigation in Haryana.The Central Government may intervene to mediate the dispute and prevent escalating political tensions.
- The escalating water row between Punjab and Haryana has been highlighted in the context of policy-and-legislation and politics, with Congress MP Randeep Surjewala criticizing the central government for the alleged reduction of water flow from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
- Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, has urged Punjab to release extra water from the Bhakra Reservoir, emphasizing the need to empty the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June to store monsoon rains and avoid pointless losses.
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann maintains that Punjab has already surpassed its allocated water quota by 3%, denying adding any additional water to Haryana, while accusing the BJP of putting pressure on Punjab through the BBMB.
- The central government may intervene to mediate the dispute and prevent escalating political tensions, as the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is scheduled for water allocation review on May 21st.
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