In a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly on Monday, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal introduced a strongly worded resolution rejecting the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, calling it unconstitutional and a betrayal of Punjab’s rights.
Declaring that “not a single drop of extra water” would be given to Haryana, Goyal accused the BBMB of functioning as a “puppet of the BJP” and alleged a conspiracy to rob Punjab of its rightful share. He emphasised that Punjab had already provided 4,000 cusecs on humanitarian grounds and would not allow any further diversion of its share.
Criticising the BBMB’s late-night meeting on April 30 as “illegal,” Goyal said the decision lacked transparency and legitimacy. He demanded a new water-sharing treaty, stating the 1981 agreement was outdated due to the significant decline in water availability.
Goyal also took aim at the Dam Safety Act, 2021, claiming it was a central attempt to seize control of Punjab’s rivers. “This act endangers the state’s autonomy. The BJP, BBMB, and Haryana are colluding to grab Punjab’s resources,” he said, labeling Haryana’s request for more water as “robbery of Punjab’s land.”
Highlighting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s efforts under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Goyal pointed out that canal irrigation has now reached 60% of Punjab’s farmland, which he said is “a thorn in BJP’s eyes.” He praised Mann for visiting Nangal Dam personally and standing as the “custodian of Punjab’s rights.”
Goyal revealed that Punjab has taken legal action against BBMB’s decision and accused the central government of ignoring Punjab’s historical contributions. “Punjab fed the country by sacrificing its land and water. Today, our share is being looted while non-riparian states refuse excess water during floods,” he asserted.
The resolution followed an all-party meeting on May 2, where all political factions stood united against BBMB’s move and reaffirmed Punjab’s claim to its water. The Assembly concluded with a firm message: “Every drop of Punjab’s water belongs to Punjabis—no one will be allowed to take it away.”
