Water cut to Haryana sparks political outrage, Sirsa faces acute shortage

A fierce political row has broken out after the Punjab Government slashed Haryana’s water share from the Bhakra canal, reducing the supply from 9,500 cusecs to just 4,000. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Opposition leaders and farmer groups, as several Haryana districts, including Sirsa, Hisar, Fatehabad, Rohtak, Kaithal, and Mahendragarh, brace for a potential water crisis.

Sirsa, in particular, is reeling under acute shortage. Out of its usual 2,800 cusecs, only 1,800 cusecs are now reaching the district, with the rest diverted into Punjab’s own canals. This has left many villages dry, forcing residents to rely on private tankers that charge Rs 900 to Rs 1,000 per delivery. The irrigation department has warned farmers against opening canal outlets, while local police and officials patrol affected areas. With complete canal closure set for May 3 and no date announced for resumption, only drinking water is being supplied for now.

Congress MP from Sirsa Kumari Selja slammed the BJP-led governments in Haryana and at the Centre, accusing them of failing to uphold Haryana’s water rights. “The Punjab Government is openly violating Supreme Court orders and previous water agreements,” she said. “If needed, we will take this fight from the streets to Parliament.”

INLD’s Abhay Singh Chautala was equally vocal, calling the situation shocking. “The Punjab CM is issuing threats while Haryana’s BJP government stays silent. Haryana never got its fair share of SYL water, and now even Bhakra water is being denied. If this continues, people may be forced to block roads to Punjab,” he warned.

Farmer groups also voiced concern. BKU’s Sirsa unit president Lakhwinder Singh Aulakh accused Punjab of playing politics over drinking water. “Water is a natural right, not a political tool. Actions like these only sow hatred between states and farmers,” he said.

Congress MLA Shishpal Keharwala echoed similar sentiments, warning that the decades-old brotherhood between Punjab and Haryana is at risk. “Crop production will be hit hard if water isn’t restored,” he said.

Haryana Tribune