Thu May 01 19:16:49 UTC 2025: ## Punjab and Haryana Clash Over Bhakra Nangal Dam Water Allocation
**Chandigarh, May 2, 2025** – A bitter dispute has erupted between the Punjab and Haryana state governments over the allocation of water from the Bhakra Nangal dam. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann alleges that Haryana and Rajasthan, both BJP-ruled states, are colluding to deprive Punjab of its rightful share, stating the state has no surplus water. He further criticized the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for its decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana on Wednesday, calling the move “illegal, arbitrary, dictatorial, and undemocratic.”
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini countered these accusations, accusing the AAP government in Punjab of engaging in “dirty politics” and noting that this is the first time Haryana’s drinking water supply has been disrupted. Haryana maintains that Punjab’s claim that its annual water share was exhausted by March 31st is inaccurate.
The BBMB, responsible for water distribution from the Bhakra Nangal, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams, released the water to Haryana despite Punjab’s objections. Opposition parties in Punjab have criticized Chief Minister Mann’s handling of the situation, with the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP accusing him of failing to protect the state’s interests. The BJP further claimed that no water from Punjab’s share will be released. The conflict highlights the long-standing tensions over water resources in the region and threatens to further escalate.
First Piper 