The Punjab-Haryana water-sharing dispute took a dramatic turn on Wednesday night after reports emerged that a Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) official allegedly attempted to forcibly release water from the Nangal Dam. Later, the Punjab Police took the official into custody, triggering swift political and administrative responses.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by the state’s Advocate General, is heading to the dam site, fearing that BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi—also en route—may force the officials at the dam site to release 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, beyond the amount currently being supplied.
The state government has strongly opposed any such move, citing a unanimous resolution passed in the Punjab Assembly on May 5 that no additional water will be released to Haryana.
Sources within the Punjab government have alleged that BBMB officials attempted to forcibly release water from the Nangal Dam, prompting police personnel stationed at the site to detain them.
Backed by all opposition parties, the Punjab government has firmly reiterated that it will not supply any additional water to Haryana beyond the 4,000 cusecs currently being provided. Punjab maintains that Haryana exhausted its allocated quota for the eight-month depletion period by March 31—well ahead of the intended end date of May 21. Nevertheless, citing humanitarian grounds, Punjab has continued supplying 4,000 cusecs of water to Haryana since April 4.
High Court intervention
On May 7, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Punjab government to withdraw police personnel from operational duties at the Bhakra Nangal Dam and Lohar Control Room. While Punjab is permitted to maintain security presence, the court emphasised that it must not interfere in the operations and functioning of the dam and must abide by the decisions made during a meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan.
Punjab demands meeting minutes
The Punjab government has since written to BBMB's Director of Security, requesting the details from the minutes of the May 2 meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and has asked that no action be taken on water release until the details are provided.
Security tightened at dam
Amid fears of further escalation, Punjab Police have reinforced security at the Nangal Dam and Lohar Control Room.
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