Nangal, 21 May 2025: A major statement has come from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the ongoing water dispute between Haryana and Punjab. Notably, the Aam Aadmi Party had been protesting against the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) for the past two weeks, which concluded today. During this time, CM Bhagwant Mann, Harjot Singh Bains, and several other leaders reached the Nangal Dam.
During the visit, CM Mann announced that, as per Haryana’s entitlement, 100 cusecs of water would be released starting from 1 PM today, and this will continue until the next 21st of May. CM Mann said they had already stated that Haryana would receive water on May 21 regardless, but the state continued to create controversy over the matter, even filing a petition in court. Starting today, Haryana will receive 100 cusecs of water every hour until 21 May next year. He added that Haryana would be given exactly the amount of water it is entitled to—no more, no less. He urged the Haryana government not to create issues over water until next May and to use it responsibly.
CM Mann stated that Haryana is entitled to 15.6 lakh cusecs of water but has already used 16.48 lakh cusecs, exceeding its quota. Hence, no additional water will be given. He assured that Punjab would never deprive Haryana of its rightful share and will continue to release water until the next designated date.
The CM also mentioned that on May 24, a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been scheduled under the NITI Aayog, where he will present Punjab’s stance on water issues and demand restructuring. He emphasized that while the entire country relies on Punjab for food, Punjab too has a rightful need for water. For the first time, Punjab is using its own water. He criticized BBMB, calling it a “white elephant” for Punjab. He also mentioned that under Punjab’s quota, 3,000 vacant posts in BBMB would be filled.
CM Mann further revealed that about 20 days ago, BBMB issued a directive to release an additional 4,500 cusecs of water. However, Punjab had already released Haryana’s rightful share. He said they were told to release water for another eight days, but Haryana, following old habits, kept demanding more than needed. Taking a dig at previous governments, Mann remarked that those who now guard Punjab’s water resources are different from earlier regimes—those whose fields dried up and whose golden taps flowed with water didn’t truly value it.
He concluded by noting that from today, BBMB will release water to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. According to this distribution, Punjab will receive around 17,000 cusecs, Haryana 10,300 cusecs, and Rajasthan 12,400 cusecs of water.
Summary:
CM Bhagwant Mann announced Punjab will provide only 100 cusecs of extra water to Haryana, citing limited supply and Punjab’s own agricultural needs.