Punjab, Haryana clash over water, Himachal watches from sidelines

With the Bhakra-Nangal dam at the centre, a water-sharing battle is intensifying between Punjab and Haryana, just as the northern states brace for peak summer demand.

The dispute flared after Punjab refused to increase Haryana's water quota from 4,500 cusecs to 8,500 cusecs on April 23. Punjab claimed that Haryana had already received 104% of its allocated share, while Haryana accused Punjab of withholding essential drinking water.

The Bhakra Beas Management Board, which oversees water allocation among Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan, voted in favour of Haryana's demand. BJP-ruled Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan backed the release of more water, AAP-ruled Punjab opposed it, and Congress-ruled Himachal abstained.


Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has doubled down, declaring that not "a drop more" will be released. Haryana CM Nayab Saini has announced his government is preparing to move the Supreme Court, and convened an all-party meeting in Chandigarh where leaders across the spectrum backed his stand.

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu, meanwhile, observed that both states were fighting over water that originates in Himachal's hills, underlining the need for broader regional coordination. The row reflects growing inter-state competition over river resources amid a warming climate and rising urban demands.