Will allow 100 cusecs of extra water to Haryana: Punjab CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday termed the AAP party’s protest against the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as a major victory in the fight to protect state’s water rights. The AAP termed the conclusion of the dharna as ‘Fateh Divas’, marking what it described as a triumph in securing Punjab’s rightful share of water from BBMB projects.

Addressing a rally, CM Mann criticised the BBMB’s recent decisions, stating that on May 1, BBMB decided to release an extra 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, which was effectively the theft of Punjab’s share. He alleged that previous Punjab governments permitted such practices, allowing Haryana to unfairly access Punjab’s water through the BBMB.

“From today onwards, we will allow 100 cusecs of extra water to Haryana,” Mann said.

He further revealed that between September 20, 2024, and May 20, 2025, Haryana used 1.42 lakh cusec more water than its allocation from the BBMB project.

“Punjab has never used more than 70% of its rightful share, but under the AAP government, the canal system has been revived, enabling us to fully utilise our allocation,” he added.

Calling BBMB a “white elephant” for Punjab, CM Mann claimed that the board owes the state Rs 33 crore since the construction of the Bhakra Dam.

“With interest, this amount now exceeds Rs 130 crore, and we will recover it,” he asserted. The CM also criticised the BBMB head office, pointing out that while it displays photographs of Haryana and Rajasthan Chief Ministers, Punjab’s CM photo is conspicuously missing.

He also vowed to ensure Punjab fills its quota of employees in BBMB and strongly opposed the alleged domination of retired officials from Haryana in the board.

“We will discuss the reorganisation of BBMB and oppose the appointment of retired officials from Haryana to the board,” he said, announcing that the issue would be raised in the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting.

Referring to Haryana as “younger brother,” Mann added that the former Haryana CM and a Union minister turned this issue into an ego battle.

Announcing that paddy sowing in Punjab will begin on June 1, he emphasised the importance of using canal water to save underground water and electricity in the state.

Mann said that Punjab will also seek a review of all water-sharing agreements with Haryana and Rajasthan.

Punjab