Mohali, May 5, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu strongly condemned the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to allocate 8,500 cusecs of Punjab’s river water to Haryana, calling it “unconstitutional and a direct assault on Punjab’s rights.”
“Punjab has no surplus water to offer. It is unacceptable for the BBMB to direct us to share our rightful share with Haryana,” said Sidhu. He termed the move as a grave injustice to the state’s farmers and future generations.
Expressing deep disappointment over the timing, Sidhu said, “At a time when the nation is united in grief over the tragic loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and calling for stern action against Pakistan, an internal conflict is being irresponsibly ignited between Punjab and Haryana due to mismanagement by our neighbouring state.”
He slammed the Centre’s unilateral reallocation of Punjab’s water without prior consultation with the state government, calling it “a betrayal of the people of Punjab.”
Highlighting the state’s worsening water crisis, Sidhu said, “Irrigation through canal water has already reduced by nearly 4.90 lakh hectares. According to the 2024–25 budget, 114 out of Punjab’s 150 blocks have been declared ‘dark zones’ due to rapid groundwater depletion.”
On the issue of the Yamuna river, Sidhu questioned the Haryana government’s silence towards Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. “A large share of Yamuna water is consumed by Delhi and UP before reaching Haryana. Why does Haryana never confront them? Instead, it is unfairly targeting Punjab, jeopardizing our farmers’ survival.”
He added, “Punjab’s agrarian economy is heavily dependent on water. With the paddy sowing season approaching, every drop is vital. We cannot compromise on our agricultural lifeline.”
Sidhu accused the BJP-led Central and Haryana governments of misusing their authority to pressure Punjab. “They are not just manipulating Punjab’s water rights, but also interfering in administrative matters such as the appointment of state-quota officers. This is both unconstitutional and unacceptable.”
He warned that the people of Punjab will not remain silent in the face of such injustice. “We are already facing an acute water crisis. We cannot and will not allow our rightful share to be taken away under any circumstances.”
“Punjab’s water is its lifeline and legacy. For decades, we have sacrificed for the nation. But enough is enough—any attempt to rob Punjab of its natural resources will face fierce resistance,” Sidhu declared.
He demanded that the BBMB immediately revoke its decision and urged the Central Government to convene a special meeting involving the Prime Minister to resolve the matter through meaningful dialogue between the states.
FOLLOW NOW
