International National News Report

Haryana Says Water From Bhakra Dam May Flow Into Pakistan; Warns Punjab

Haryana has not received its full share of water from Bhakra dam as conflict between Punjab and Haryana goes on

Haryana has formally requested that neighboring Punjab supply drinking water. The state warned that excess water from the Bhakra reservoir may flow into Pakistan. This appeal arises amidst India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This followed the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists.

Chief Minister of Haryana Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the urgency of depleting the Bhakra reservoir. It is a significant dam under the now-suspended treaty, prior to the monsoon season.

He said, “We must empty the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June to store rainwater during the monsoon. If the reservoir is full, excess water will flow to Pakistan via Hari-ke-Pattan, which is not beneficial for Punjab or the nation.”

As Punjab and Haryana conflict over water-sharing, Mr. Saini warned about potential impact on Delhi’s water supply.

He said, “As long as there was an Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi, the Mann government in Punjab had no objection to the water going to Delhi. Now that there is no Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi, why is Mann making such statements to punish the people of Delhi?”

Punjab had claimed that Haryana had exhausted its water share in March. But Mr. Saini said in reality, “we have not received our full share”.

He disclosed that 500 cusecs went to Delhi, 800 to Rajasthan, and 400 to Punjab. This was from the recent water release.

“Thus, the actual quantity of water received by Haryana remains only 6,800 cusecs,” he said.

“If the BBMB were to provide the remaining water as per Haryana’s demand, it would amount to just 0.0001 per cent of the water stored in the Bhakra Dam, a figure so small it would have no impact on its storage,” he then said.

Accusing BJP of influencing BBMB, Mr. Mann highlighted Punjab’s overuse.

He then urged redirecting Chenab, Jhelum, Ujh waters to address northern states’ needs. This is during paddy season post Indus Water Treaty suspension.

He said their correspondent “seems to have forgotten that in April-May, paddy cultivation is not carried out in Punjab and Haryana. In these two months, the water released by the BBMB is solely for drinking purposes.”

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