May 21, 2025 : Amid the ongoing water dispute between Haryana and Punjab, a hearing on the review petition filed by the Punjab government took place today (May 20) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. During this hearing, the Central Government, Haryana Government, and BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) submitted their responses, while the Punjab Government requested more time to file its reply. The court agreed to this request.
The next hearing on this matter has now been scheduled for May 22. Meanwhile, a protest has been ongoing in Nangal for the last 20 days. Punjab Education Minister and Anandpur Sahib MLA Harjot Singh Bains said, “For the past 20 days, we have been fighting under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to save Punjab’s water – and we have won. The Chief Minister has already visited the site three times.”
He also stated that the people of the surrounding villages and volunteers have played a crucial role in this protest. “Today is May 20. The Central Government and BBMB tried several times to pressure Punjab and forcefully release the water, but we stood firm and did not let their malicious efforts succeed. With the immense grace of Guru Sahib, we have won this battle. The Chief Minister will be visiting Nangal Dam tomorrow at 11 AM.”
BBMB Chairman submitted an affidavit:
The BBMB Chairman submitted an affidavit in the High Court. The water dispute between Punjab and Haryana has been ongoing for several days. On May 8, the BBMB Chairman went to Bhakra to release water, but local residents and leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party stopped the release. Following this, CM Bhagwant Mann himself reached Bhakra.
The court has asked the Punjab Government to identify the police personnel who obstructed official work. The Punjab Government has since taken action on the matter.
In court, the Punjab Government argued that on May 8, BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi had himself stated that he was only surrounded by local citizens and that Punjab Police helped escort him to safety.
However, in an affidavit filed the next day on May 9, Tripathi made a contradictory claim, alleging that he was illegally detained. This directly contradicts his earlier statement to the court. As a result, the Mann government invoked Section 379 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Summary: CM Mann will reach Nangal on Wednesday to hold a hearing on the Bhakra water dispute. This issue is crucial for the state and is related to water sharing.