Don’t Expect Water from Punjab, want to make it clear: CM Bhagwant Mann to Haryana
Babushahi Bureau
Nangal, May 1, 2025 –
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann delivered a clear and firm message to Haryana on the contentious water-sharing issue, stating that Punjab will not give even a single drop of water to the neighbouring state under current circumstances.
Speaking on the deepening water crisis in Punjab, Mann said, “We are fighting for water ourselves. I want to make it absolutely clear – not a single drop of Punjab’s water will be given away.” He added that Punjab cannot be expected to sacrifice its own needs, especially when states like Haryana and Rajasthan did not stand by Punjab during times of flooding.
Taking a dig at the Centre-backed water distribution demands, Mann said, “Are we being kept to drown in floods while being forced to give away our water?” The Chief Minister reiterated that any water shared with Haryana will only be as per the annual allocation decided by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which takes effect from May 21.
Mann's remarks underline the state government's strong stance on protecting Punjab’s water rights amid mounting pressure from the BJP-led governments in Haryana and at the Centre.