Haryana-Punjab Water Crisis: All-Party Meeting Demands 'Unconditional' Release of Water

In the wake of the water dispute between Haryana and Punjab, an all-party meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini unanimously passed a resolution demanding the "unconditional" release of drinking water. The resolution termed Punjab's decision to withhold water as "unconstitutional, inhuman, illegal and an attack on the federal structure."

Addressing the media after the meeting in Chandigarh on Saturday, CM Saini claimed that Haryana was receiving 17% less water than its due share. He accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of taking a "confrontational" approach, while emphasizing that Haryana was exercising restraint and only seeking what rightfully belonged to it. 

"If the Punjab Government remains adamant, Haryana will not shy away from protecting its interests and taking legal recourse. We are watching the developments in Punjab, which has called a session of the Vidhan Sabha. We will take a call on how to proceed after their session," Saini warned.

The meeting, attended by state chiefs of seven parties and their senior leaders, resulted in a unanimous resolution appealing to the Punjab Government to implement the decisions of the BBMB's Technical Committee dated April 23, 2025, and of the BBMB board dated April 30, 2025, without conditions.

Saini criticized the Punjab Government for first refusing to construct the SYL Canal, effectively seizing irrigation water, and now engaging in an "unconstitutional act" by obstructing drinking water meant for Haryana. Invoking the teachings of the Gurus to strike an emotional chord, he remarked that Mann's actions were not in keeping with their emphasis on sharing, adding, "We welcome even strangers by offering them water."

The CM presented data showing that even when dam levels were lower in previous years (2016-2019), Haryana received its share without dispute. "Ironically, the current water level is higher than in those years, yet Haryana is being denied even its minimal requirement. In 2019, when the water level was 1,623 feet, 0.553 MAF of water had to be discharged as excess. This shows that water must be released from the dam to make space for monsoon rainwater," he explained. 

Saini revealed that Haryana's total allocated water share was 12.55 MAF, but it was receiving only 10.67 MAF. In contrast, Punjab's allocation was 14.67 MAF, yet it was using 17.15 MAF—clearly using far more water than its share.