Punjab Seeks Rs 1.44 Lakh Crore from Rajasthan for Water Dues, Asserts CM Mann
Synopsis
Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declares that the state will demand a staggering Rs 1.44 lakh crore from Rajasthan for unpaid water usage. He insists on either the release of dues or a cessation of water extraction, while also advocating for a review of the historic 1920 agreement.
Key Takeaways
Punjab claims Rs 1.44 lakh crore from Rajasthan for unpaid water usage.
Calls for a review of the 1920 agreement governing water rights.
Rajasthan must either pay dues or stop drawing water.
Historical context dates back to agreements made during British rule.
Punjab seeks to recover its rightful dues through all available forums.
Chandigarh, March 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann, announced on Wednesday that the state intends to demand Rs 1.44 lakh crore from Rajasthan due to decades of water usage without payment. He emphasized that Rajasthan must either provide Punjab with its rightful payments or cease its water extraction, and he also called for a reassessment of the ancient 1920 agreement that governs this arrangement.
During a media interaction, CM Mann stated, “The government of Rajasthan owes Punjab Rs 1.44 lakh crore for water drawn through the Ferozepur feeder since 1960, with not a single penny paid. Rajasthan must either pay what is due or halt water usage.”
He explained that a 1920 agreement signed between the state of Bikaner, the former Punjab, and the British mandated payment for water on a per-acre basis. “Payments were made until 1960, but following the Indus Water Treaty, Rajasthan stopped its payments while continuing to draw 18,000 cusecs of water,” CM Mann clarified.
Pointing out the inconsistency in Rajasthan’s stance, he remarked, “Rajasthan continues to extract water under the 1920 agreement, yet seeks refuge in the 1960 arrangement when it comes to payments.”
He continued, “The governments involved in the 1960 arrangement did not mention payment, nor did they annul the 1920 agreement.”
CM Mann raised concerns over the lack of action in the past, saying, “The agreement necessitates a review every 25 years, but previous administrations neglected to address this issue or claim Punjab’s rightful share.” Reiterating the historical context, he noted, “Under the 1920 agreement established during British rule with Bikaner, Punjab’s water was supplied consistently until 1960.
However, after the Indus Waters Treaty, this arrangement was not referenced. If we calculate the dues from 1960 to 2026, Rajasthan is liable to pay Punjab Rs 1.44 lakh crore.
The Chief Minister emphasized, “We have brought this matter to the attention of both the Union and Rajasthan governments. The Punjab administration has reached out to the Rajasthan government, requesting a meeting to discuss this issue.”
He asserted that Punjab would vigorously pursue this matter, stating, “Our administration is seeking a reevaluation of the 1920 agreement to recover our rightful dues. We will advocate for this matter across all suitable forums to ensure Punjab receives what it rightfully deserves.”
Point of View
This situation highlights significant inter-state relations and the ongoing complexities surrounding water rights in India. Punjab's demand for compensation reflects historical agreements and raises essential questions about resource management and financial accountability between states.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Punjab claiming Rs 1.44 lakh crore from Rajasthan?
Punjab claims Rs 1.44 lakh crore from Rajasthan for decades of unpaid water usage, as stipulated in a historical agreement.
What does the 1920 agreement entail?
The 1920 agreement mandated Rajasthan to pay for water drawn from Punjab on a per-acre basis, which ceased after 1960.
What is the Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Water Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, which affected the payment terms between Punjab and Rajasthan.
When did Rajasthan stop paying Punjab for water?
Rajasthan stopped paying Punjab for water after 1960, despite continuing to draw significant amounts.
What is the current stance of the Punjab government?
The Punjab government is actively seeking a review of the 1920 agreement to recover its rightful dues from Rajasthan.
