Tensions Rise Over Water: Haryana's All-Party Meeting Kicks Off with Key Political Leaders
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu) : The water dispute between Haryana and Punjab has taken a new turn as Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini and Irrigation Minister Shruti Chaudhary arrived in Chandigarh to participate in an all-party meeting aimed at addressing the escalating issue surrounding the diversion of water from the Bhakra Canal. The meeting, being held at the Haryana Niwas, is being chaired by CM Saini and attended by several prominent political leaders, including former CM Bhupendra Singh Hooda, INLD State President Rampal Majra, JJP leader Dushyant Chautala, and AAP State President Sushil Gupta. The discussion is centered on the stopping of water supply from the Bhakra Canal, which has been a point of contention between Punjab and Haryana. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which oversees the management of water resources in the region, has been at the heart of the dispute, with Haryana demanding its share of water, which is critical for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Legal Battle Intensifies: Petition Filed in High Court
Parallel to the political talks, legal proceedings have begun as Haryana advocate Ravindra Singh Dhul has filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, calling for the removal of police forces from the Bhakra Dam in Nangal, a contentious area in the water dispute. The petition, which names the BBMB and the Central Government as parties, is expected to add fuel to the already tense situation, as the presence of security forces at the dam has raised concerns about potential disruptions to water flow. This legal move comes amidst reports that the Haryana government is preparing to take the matter to the Supreme Court, with officials in Delhi drafting the petition. It is anticipated that the petition will be filed later today, further escalating the dispute between the two states. Meanwhile, the BBMB has scheduled an important meeting with officials from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan in Chandigarh later today at 5 PM. This meeting follows a series of talks between Chief Secretaries from Punjab and Haryana, as well as discussions involving the Union Home Secretary, which have yet to produce a solution.
Water Crisis Looms in Haryana
According to government sources, nine districts in Haryana are facing an acute water crisis, and if the situation does not improve soon, Haryana may consider cutting water supplies to Delhi and Rajasthan, both of which rely on Haryana for drinking and irrigation water. This potential move could have far-reaching consequences for these states, which depend heavily on Haryana’s water resources. The second round of meetings held on Friday in Delhi ended in a deadlock. In the first meeting, the Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan urged officials from both Punjab and Haryana to set aside their political differences and focus on finding a solution. Haryana was also asked to present its argument to the BBMB regarding its urgent need for water. In the second meeting, held between BBMB officials and the Chief Secretaries of both states, Punjab was only willing to release 4,000 cusecs of water, while Haryana demanded a significantly higher amount—8,500 cusecs. The deadlock continued, with both sides unable to agree on a fair share of the water. Following this impasse, the Union Home Secretary instructed the BBMB to call a fresh round of discussions to break the deadlock and avoid a full-scale crisis.
Political Tensions on Both Sides
Amidst the Haryana-Punjab water dispute, political tensions have been running high in both states. In Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convened an all-party meeting at the Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh, with representatives from all political parties, except Congress, attending. Sunil Jakhar, the state chief of the Punjab BJP, represented the opposition, while Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal sent representatives in their place. During the meeting, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann stated that all parties had expressed support for the Punjab government’s position on the water dispute. The consensus seemed to be that Punjab’s decision on the water issue should be supported, rising above partisan politics. Mann also mentioned that a proposal was made during the meeting to approach the Prime Minister for intervention. “The decision to give Punjab’s water to Haryana through a decree is not proper. It needs to be addressed through proper legal and diplomatic means,” said Mann, urging the federal government to mediate and help resolve the situation amicably.
Government's Response and Future Talks
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Haryana government has made it clear that it will continue to push for its share of water through legal and political avenues. Haryana Irrigation Minister Shruti Chaudhary expressed her concern over the adverse impact the water shortage is having on the state’s agriculture and drinking water supply. Haryana officials are expected to file their petition in the Supreme Court in the coming days, arguing that the current situation is critical and demands urgent attention. At the same time, the BBMB has planned a high-level meeting today to bring together stakeholders from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan to discuss the issue further. These meetings will likely continue in the coming days as both states work to find a lasting solution to the water crisis.
Outlook: Can a Solution Be Found?
The ongoing water dispute between Haryana and Punjab is at a critical juncture. While political meetings and legal proceedings continue to unfold, the need for a sustainable solution remains paramount. The future of millions of people in both states depends on a resolution that balances both Haryana’s water needs and Punjab’s obligations. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the political leadership can overcome differences and strike a deal, or if legal battles and political standoffs will dominate the discourse.
