Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged Haryana to exercise restraint in its water usage. During a press conference in Chandigarh, the CM noted that the Haryana government typically picks a dispute with Punjab over water during this specific period; consequently, Punjab has already alerted Haryana that water consumption must be managed with complete restraint. A letter to this effect has also been dispatched to the Haryana government.
The Chief Minister stated that Punjab is currently supplying Haryana with its allotted quota of water, and this supply will continue until May 21. Punjab cannot provide Haryana with any water in excess of the stipulated supply.
He further remarked that it has come to light that Haryana has, thus far, utilized only 70 to 75 percent of its allocated quota a positive development. This water stock can be utilized until May 21; only after this date will further water supplies be released under the subsequent quota. It is also a welcome sign that, this time around, the Haryana government has not allocated any funds for the SYL canal in its budget. Haryana should now bring this contentious issue to a definitive close.
Mann asserted that, for the first time, the Aam Aadmi Party government has begun prioritizing the utilization of Punjab’s water for the benefit of the state’s own people and farmers. Water for irrigation is now being made available to farmers right down to the “last tail” (the farthest reaches of the canal network). Punjab possesses no surplus water to share with other states, nor should other states harbor any expectations in this regard.
