Context:

The Punjab government ordered increased security at Nangal Dam on May 1 in response to tensions over a water-sharing dispute with Haryana.

Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute: An Analysis

Mostly for drinking use, the continuous water conflict between Punjab and Haryana centres on the distribution and release of water from the Bhakra-Nangal Dam  Growing tensions between the two states result from this long-standing problem.  The main ideas causing the present crisis are analysed here.

Historical Background

• The dispute traces back to 1966, when Haryana was carved out from Punjab and was promised a share in the Ravi and Beas river waters.
• A crucial infrastructure project, the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, was proposed to deliver Haryana’s share of water but remains incomplete due to Punjab’s resistance.

The Recent Crisis

• On April 23, 2025, Haryana requested an additional 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra-Nangal project, increasing its daily share from 4,000 cusecs. This request was made for drinking needs.
• Punjab denied the request, arguing that Haryana had already consumed 104% of its annual water allocation.
• The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) intervened and, on April 30, 2025, ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs to Haryana, a decision vehemently opposed by Punjab.

The Legal Battle

• Haryana, in response, announced plans to take the matter to the Supreme Court to secure its “fair” share of water.
• Punjab is also contemplating legal action, labeling the BBMB’s decision as “unprecedented” and vowing not to release any extra water.

Underlying Causes

• Water scarcity: Low water levels in the Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams resulting from Himalayan low snowfall have heightened the conflict.
• Political Standoff: The confrontation escalated after Haryana’s CM Nayab Singh Saini called Punjab’s CM Bhagwant Mann, seeking water for drinking, but was met with refusal.

Current Status

• Despite the BBMB’s order, Punjab has refused to open the Nangal Dam sluice gates and continues to oppose any further water release to Haryana.

Outcome of the Meeting

• Voting Split: The BBMB meeting, chaired by Manoj Tripathi, saw a split vote. Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi (all BJP-ruled or NDA allies) voted in favour of the water release decision, while Punjab opposed it. Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh chose to remain neutral, refraining from voting.

Conflict Regarding the Dam

• Linkage of Dams: Although the Bhakra Dam and Nangal Dam are often grouped together, Bhakra Dam is located in Himachal Pradesh, while Nangal Dam lies in Punjab. Both dams are part of the same river system, the Satluj River.
• Punjab’s Argument: Punjab claims that the annual water allocations for this year by BBMB are:
• Punjab: 5.512 MAF
• Haryana: 2.987 MAF
• Rajasthan: 3.318 MAF
• Punjab argues that Haryana has already consumed 3.110 MAF of water, which exceeds 104% of its quota.
• Haryana’s Justification: Haryana defends its position, stating that it needs extra water for drinking purposes, particularly for Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad, which are facing severe water shortages.

Water Reserve Levels

• Below Average Water Levels:
• Pong Dam: 31.87 ft lower than the previous year
• Ranjit Sagar Dam: 16.90 ft lower
• Bhakra Dam: 12 ft lower
• Punjab cites low snowfall as the primary reason for the reduced water reserves.

Shift in Policy Focus

• Since the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) came to power in Punjab, the state has shifted its focus towards canal irrigation to reduce the stress on groundwater resources.

Historical Background of the Bhakra-Nangal Project

• The Bhakra-Nangal Project was conceived in the 1910s and is one of India’s earliest post-Independence river valley development initiatives. The project includes the Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh and the Nangal Dam in Punjab, both built on the Satluj River.
• The then Prime Minister Nehru took a personal interest in the project, emphasizing its strategic importance.

Formation of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMP)

• Following the 1966 reorganisation of Punjab, which resulted in the creation of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, the Bhakra Management Board was formed under Section 79 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act to manage the distribution of water among the new states.
• In 1976, the board was renamed BBMP and tasked with managing the Beas River projects, including the Pandoh Dam and Pong Dam.

BBMP’s Current Role and Responsibilities

• BBMP manages the distribution of water from both the Satluj and Beas Rivers to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.
• At the beginning of each water year (September–August), BBMP allocates water based on monsoon predictions and availability.

Current Year’s Water Allocation

• Punjab: 5.512 MAF
• Haryana: 2.987 MAF
• Rajasthan: 3.318 MAF

Expert Opinion According to AS Dulet, a well-known water expert from Punjab, temporarily supplying drinking water to Haryana is unlikely to cause any issues.Short-Term modifications: He highlighted that such interstate water concerns are common, and that modifications may be made without breaking the quota structure as long as they are short and mutually compensated.Timing of Agricultural Demand: According to Dulet, Punjab would require extra water between May 24 and 25, right before paddy transplantation begins on June 1.Conditions for Cooperation: Dulet stated that, while temporary flow modifications are permitted, each state's quota must remain sacred. "Extra water now must mean compensation later."He warned that transferring more water from one state's share to another would be "wrong" and may set a dangerous precedent.Unprecedented Situation: A Punjab government official stated that the forced water release was unprecedented and unacceptable to the state.

Conclusion

In order to challenge the BBMB order, Punjab is currently investigating its legal alternatives. The barrier will not permit even a single drop to pass through.

Practice Questions: The recent water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana illustrates the constraints of cooperative federalism in India. Do you agree? Justify your answer with relevant examples.