Punjab Vidhan Sabha Passes Historic Resolution to Reject BBMB Water Distribution Orders
Chandigarh, May 5,
Defending Punjab’s Water Rights
In a landmark move, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, unanimously passed a historic resolution on May 5, 2025, declaring that Punjab will no longer accept any water distribution decisions imposed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The resolution, moved by Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goel, underscores Punjab’s sole ownership of its river waters and firmly rejects external pressures to divert them, marking a bold stand to protect the state’s rights and resources.
Punjab’s Sole Claim to Sutlej and Beas Waters
Speaking during the discussion, CM Mann emphasized that the Sutlej and Beas rivers, managed by the BBMB, belong exclusively to Punjab. “These rivers flow through our land, and their waters are Punjab’s rightful property,” he asserted, noting that neither Haryana nor Rajasthan has a direct connection to these rivers. Mann accused the BJP-led central government of using the BBMB for political motives, convening “midnight meetings” without Punjab’s consent to divert its water share to other states, particularly Haryana.
Mann described the BBMB as a “white elephant,” criticizing its current structure as ineffective and biased against Punjab’s interests. He demanded its reconstitution under a new framework, arguing that it unfairly burdens Punjab’s exchequer to pay employees who undermine the state’s rights. “The BBMB in its present form is unacceptable, and Punjab will no longer recognize its authority,” he declared.
BJP’s Alleged Conspiracy Against Punjab
The Chief Minister slammed the BJP for orchestrating efforts to “snatch” Punjab’s water through the Haryana government, central authorities, and the BBMB. He highlighted an “illegal and unconstitutional” BBMB meeting that mandated Punjab to supply water to Haryana from its own share, despite Haryana exhausting its allocated quota by March 31, 2025. Mann revealed that Haryana initially requested 4,000 cusecs of water for drinking purposes on April 6, which Punjab generously provided on humanitarian grounds, guided by Sikh values of compassion. However, Haryana’s subsequent demand for 8,500 cusecs was deemed unsustainable, as Punjab lacks surplus water.
Mann emphasized that Punjab’s water is now critical for its own needs, with 60% of its farmlands irrigated through an expanded canal network, up from 22% in 2021. “Every drop of Punjab’s water is precious, and we will not spare a single extra drop beyond what is provided for drinking purposes,” he stated, condemning the BJP’s resolution to forcibly divert Punjab’s share as a violation of federal principles.
Punjab’s Water Crisis and Achievements
Mann highlighted the state’s water scarcity, noting that Punjab’s dams currently hold 55 feet less water than last year. Despite this, his government has revitalized water management, ensuring canal water reaches tail-end farms and 80% of available canal water is utilized. “Previous governments neglected villages along canals, but we’ve ensured water reaches every corner of Punjab,” he said, crediting his administration’s efforts to overhaul water courses and prioritize farmers.
The CM also reflected on the environmental cost of the Green Revolution, which led to groundwater overexploitation. His government’s focus on canal irrigation aims to preserve groundwater and secure water for future generations. Mann accused Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP of historically betraying Punjab’s water rights for political gains, alleging their “hands are drenched with the blood of Punjabis” for ignoring the state’s interests.
Call for Equitable Water Sharing
Advocating for a review of water-sharing agreements every 25 years, Mann proposed the Yamuna-Satluj Link (YSL) canal, arguing that Punjab deserves an equal share of Haryana’s water if Haryana seeks Punjab’s resources. He outright rejected the Dam Safety Act as an attack on Punjab’s autonomy, recalling his opposition to it as a Member of Parliament. “Punjab has always protected its dams; we don’t need external interference,” he asserted.
United Front Against Water Diversion
Mann expressed gratitude to leaders across party lines for supporting the resolution at an All-Party Meeting, describing it as a unified stand for Punjab’s rights. “Despite ideological differences, all parties came together to send a stern message, which was the need of the hour,” he said. The resolution, he emphasized, defends Punjab’s soil, water, and the future of its coming generations.
Vision for Punjab’s Future
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s interests, accusing the BJP-led Union government of an “anti-Punjab mindset” and stepmotherly treatment. He warned that the BJP’s policies threaten Punjab’s identity, even humorously suggesting they might “remove the word Punjabi from the national anthem” if given the chance. Mann vowed to take all legal and constitutional steps to protect Punjab’s water rights, ensuring the state’s resources are used solely for its people.
This historic resolution not only asserts Punjab’s sovereignty over its river waters but also sets a precedent for defending the state’s rights against external pressures, reinforcing Mann’s vision of a self-reliant and prosperous Punjab.
