Haryana CM demands unconditional water release, accuses CM Mann; Watch Video
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, May 3, 2025 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, addressing the media after chairing an all-party meeting on the ongoing water crisis, launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of blocking Haryana's water supply in an "unconstitutional" manner.
Saini asserted, “Water is not the sole property of Punjab; it belongs to the entire country. The situation is not as grave as the Punjab government is portraying. Even in previous years when water levels were lower than the present, Haryana continued to receive its share.”
He stressed that water distribution is determined by the technical committee of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), not by any individual state government.
“Bhagwant Mann had earlier assured me that he would support Haryana's demand, but, unfortunately, he is now politicizing the issue,” Saini said.
Watch Video
The Haryana CM rejected Mann’s claims that pressure is being applied to Punjab, stating that BBMB makes these decisions, not Haryana. “It is Punjab that is acting forcibly. The Punjab government is defying BBMB directions and has even deployed police at the release point to block the flow of water,” he alleged.
Referring to Mann’s ties to Haryana, Saini said, “His wife and child live in Haryana. He should consider the implications of his actions.”
Saini further pointed out that in 2019, when the water level reached 1,623 feet, 0.553 MAF of surplus water had to be released, which eventually flowed into Pakistan. He warned that if Punjab continues to store water above permissible levels, the same situation could repeat.
“Politics should not be played over drinking water. Haryana is currently receiving 17% less water than its rightful allocation, while Punjab is drawing more than its share,” he said.
Accusing Mann of distorting data, Saini called the Punjab government’s campaign misleading. “This is not just injustice to Haryana, but an attack on the federal structure of the country,” he added. He denied claims that Haryana had exhausted its water share in March and insisted that Haryana has always upheld the spirit of brotherhood.
The Chief Minister urged Punjab to understand that the water issue concerns both states and must be resolved through dialogue—not unilateral decisions in the state assembly. He also mentioned that despite a Supreme Court verdict in Haryana's favor regarding the SYL canal, Punjab continues to escalate the conflict.
He said the all-party meeting unanimously decided that “Haryana must be given water without any conditions, and the BBMB's decisions must be implemented unconditionally.”
“If Punjab remains adamant, we will not remain silent. However, we want to choose the path of harmony, not confrontation,” Saini said.
He emphasized that Haryana is only demanding its pre-allocated share, not extra water and that any steps taken would be within the bounds of justice. Calling on Mann to respect the neighbourly bond between the two states, he reminded Punjab of its greater responsibility due to its sensitive border with Pakistan.
“Punjab should remember the legacy of the Gurus. This water belongs to the children and farmers. Punjab must understand Haryana’s pain,” Saini concluded.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that a meeting of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is scheduled for 5 PM today and that the Haryana government is closely monitoring the developments.
He also stated, “We will also observe what decision is taken in the special Punjab Assembly session convened by the Mann government. If necessary, Haryana too is prepared to convene its own assembly session.”