Water Crisis: Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes resolution against BBMB's decision
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 5, 2025: In a strong move amid growing water scarcity, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed a resolution opposing the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)'s decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
The resolution, introduced by Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, emphasized that Punjab is already grappling with severe water shortages and cannot afford to supply more water to other states.
Minister Goyal stated that Haryana has already exhausted its annual allocation of water, and Punjab had earlier released 4,000 cusecs on humanitarian grounds.He highlighted that 115 of Punjab’s 153 blocks are witnessing alarming levels of groundwater overuse, intensifying the crisis.
Describing the BBMB decision as "illegal" and a "robbery on the rights of Punjab," the resolution demanded:
- Immediate reconsideration of the water release order,
- Appointment of Punjab’s engineers and officers to the BBMB as mandated under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
The resolution followed an all-party meeting held on May 2, convened by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, where representatives from AAP, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP, BSP, CPI, and CPM unanimously opposed the BBMB’s move.
Chief Minister Mann warned that water levels in Punjab’s major reservoirs — Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams — are 12 to 32 feet below last year’s levels, raising concerns for the upcoming paddy sowing season.
The Punjab government accused the Central Government and the BJP-led Haryana government of unjustly diverting Punjab's water.The House voiced solidarity across party lines, signaling a united stance on protecting Punjab’s water rights.