Why is Punjab AAP Opposing BBMB's Water Release to Haryana?
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Synopsis
Discover how the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab is challenging the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) controversial decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. This decision raises significant concerns about the future of Punjab's farmers and its water security.
Key Takeaways
- AAP's Opposition: AAP strongly opposes BBMB's decision to release excess water to Haryana.
- Water Security at Risk: The decision could endanger the water security and livelihood of Punjab's farmers.
- Political Accountability: AAP calls out BJP for pressuring BBMB and demands accountability.
- Historical Struggles: Punjab’s history of resource protection is reiterated in the context of current challenges.
- Call for Unity: AAP urges all political parties in Punjab to unite for the state's interests.
Chandigarh, May 1 (NationPress) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab officially expressed its opposition on Thursday to the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) resolution to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
AAP Member of Parliament from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, characterized this action as a severe injustice that threatens the welfare of Punjab’s farmers, its water security, and the future of the state’s next generations. MP Kang stated that this decision, made under the influence of the BJP-led Central government, is unconstitutional and a blatant violation of Punjab’s rights.
In a letter addressed to BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, Kang criticized the BJP government for carrying out what he termed a “daylight robbery” of Punjab’s rightful resources, while also accusing Bittu of remaining “shamefully” silent on this critical issue.
“The BBMB's ruling is more than just an administrative decree—it is a direct assault on Punjab’s lifeline. Despite Haryana having already exceeded its allocated water share, the BJP has coerced the BBMB into supplying Punjab’s invaluable water to Haryana, placing our farmers and citizens in jeopardy of severe water shortages. This is an affront to Punjab’s 3.5 crore residents,” Kang stated.
The BBMB typically distributes water among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan starting May 21. However, Kang disclosed that after depleting its entire share by March 31, Haryana requested an additional 4,000 cusecs daily from Punjab.
Punjab, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, initially acquiesced on humanitarian grounds to satisfy Haryana’s essential drinking water requirements. Nevertheless, the BJP has now pressured BBMB into allocating Haryana an extra 8,500 cusecs, an action that AAP deems unlawful and intolerable.
“Our reservoirs—Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar—are currently at alarmingly low levels. With groundwater resources dwindling statewide, every drop is crucial for Punjab’s farmers. Yet, the BJP is prioritizing Haryana over Punjab’s urgent needs. This is nothing less than a violation of Punjab’s rights,” Kang asserted.
Kang expressed frustration at BJP MP Bittu's lack of response, accusing him of prioritizing his party's political interests above Punjab’s well-being.
“Bittu’s inaction raises significant doubts about whether he stands with Punjab or has capitulated to the BJP’s unconstitutional commands. The people of Punjab deserve clarity,” Kang remarked.
AAP, led by Chief Minister Mann, is committed to exposing the BJP’s unconstitutional measures. The AAP government emphasized that contrary to Haryana Chief Minister’s misleading claims of Punjab's consent to this water diversion, Haryana has consumed 103% of its allocated share, while Punjab has only utilized 89%.
Even so, Punjab extended support to Haryana, but the BJP's recent decision has crossed all boundaries. Kang reiterated that the farmers and citizens of Punjab will not accept this injustice.
“Punjab’s history is rich with struggles to safeguard its resources and rights. Today, we are confronted with a similar challenge. AAP and the citizens of Punjab will stand firm against the BJP’s blatant disregard for Punjab’s welfare,” he concluded.
In his letter to Bittu, Kang posed critical questions, including: Are you with Punjab, or complicit in the BJP's exploitation of the state's resources? Why has this issue of BBMB’s illegal actions not been raised in Parliament? Why is there silence regarding the alarming decline of water levels in Punjab’s dams?
He asserted that Bittu’s failure to address these urgent inquiries casts serious doubts on his commitment to Punjab’s rights.
AAP demands the immediate reversal of BBMB’s decision and calls on all political factions in Punjab to unite in defense of the state’s interests.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of Punjab's water resources and the ongoing struggle to protect them. The AAP's firm opposition to the BBMB's decision highlights the critical need for balanced resource management in our nation. The situation calls for unity among political parties to ensure that the rights and needs of Punjab are prioritized.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BBMB's recent decision regarding water release?
The BBMB decided to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, which has been met with strong opposition from the AAP in Punjab.
Why is AAP opposing this decision?
AAP argues that the decision jeopardizes Punjab's farmers and water security, claiming it is an unconstitutional act that violates the state's rights.
What has MP Malvinder Singh Kang said about this issue?
Kang described the decision as a grave injustice and criticized the BJP for pressuring the BBMB into this allocation, which he sees as harmful to Punjab.
What actions has AAP taken in response?
AAP has demanded the immediate reversal of the BBMB’s decision and is calling for unity among all political parties in Punjab to defend the state's interests.
How has the water allocation situation developed?
Haryana has reportedly exhausted its allocated water share and requested additional supplies from Punjab, prompting AAP to respond strongly against the BBMB’s decision.
