Punjab Haryana Water Dispute, Tensions Rise Over Bhakra Beas Board Decision

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Amid rising tensions with Haryana over water sharing, all political parties in Punjab united to oppose the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s decision to release an additional 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.

Trigger for the Standoff
- The crisis began on April 23 when Haryana demanded 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra-Nangal project—an increase of 4,500 cusecs over its current allocation.
- Punjab refused the request and referred the matter to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMP).
BBMP Meeting and Voting Outcome
- In a BBMP meeting, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi voted in favour of releasing the extra water to Haryana.
- Himachal Pradesh abstained. Punjab opposed the move and refused to open additional sluice gates at the Nangal dam.
Legal Action by Haryana
- In response to Punjab’s resistance, the Haryana government announced it would move the Supreme Court to secure its “fair” share of water.
Punjab’s Firm Stand and Legal Recourse
- Punjab is also considering legal action, calling the BBMP’s decision “unprecedented” and vowing not to release even a drop of extra water.

Historical Background of the Bhakra-Nangal Project
- Conceived in the 1910s, the Bhakra-Nangal project is one of India’s earliest post-Independence river valley development initiatives.
- It includes the Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh and the Nangal Dam in Punjab, built on the River Satluj.
- The then Prime Minister Nehru took personal interest in the project.
Formation of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMP)
- After the 1966 reorganisation of Punjab, which created Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, the Bhakra Management Board was formed under Section 79 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act to manage water distribution among the new states.
- In 1976, the board was renamed BBMP and assigned the additional responsibility of managing Beas River projects like the Pandoh Dam (Beas-Sutlej Link) and Pong Dam.
BBMP’s Current Role and Responsibilities
- BBMP oversees the distribution of water from the Satluj and Beas rivers to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.
- At the beginning of each water year (September–August), BBMP allocates water based on monsoon predictions and availability.
Current Year’s Water Allocation
- For the ongoing year, BBMP has allocated:
  - Punjab: 5.512 million acre-feet (MAF)
  - Haryana: 2.987 MAF
  - Rajasthan: 3.318 MAF

Punjab’s Claim: Haryana Exceeded Its Quota
- Punjab asserts that Haryana has already drawn 3.110 million acre-feet (MAF) of water—104% of its annual share—even before the end of the water year.
- Punjab, which is grappling with the fast depleting groundwater, is stressing the use of canal water.
Falling Water Levels in Key Dams
- Water reserves are under stress due to reduced Himalayan snowfall:
  - Ranjit Sagar Dam: 16.9 feet below last year’s level
  - Pong Dam: 31.87 feet lower
  - Bhakra Dam: 12 feet lower
Haryana’s Accusation and Demand
- Haryana CM accused Punjab of “dirty politics” and claimed Haryana has not received its rightful share.
- He emphasized the need for urgent water supply in drought-hit districts such as Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad, especially for drinking water.
Expert View: Need for Temporary Sharing, with Conditions
- Water experts recommended short-term sharing to meet drinking water needs, but insisted the state-wise quota must remain unchanged.
- If Haryana gets extra water now, it must be compensated later to Punjab to preserve fairness and legal allocation.