Centre steps in to resolve water row, approves extra release for Haryana water

New Delhi, May 2: In a bid to address the pressing water needs of Haryana and parts of Rajasthan, the Government of India convened a high-level meeting today under the chairmanship of the Union Home Secretary. The meeting focused on implementing the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to release an additional 4,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Dams to Haryana for a period of eight days. Senior officials from the Union Government, BBMB, and the partner states—Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan—participated in the deliberations. After detailed discussions, it was advised that the BBMB proceed with the water release as decided, to help Haryana tackle its immediate water shortage.

To balance the interests of all stakeholders, it was also agreed that any excess water released to Haryana during this period would be compensated during the dam-filling season.

BBMB will provide equivalent extra water to Punjab if required, ensuring that no state suffers a long-term loss.

The BBMB has been directed to convene an urgent meeting of its Board to finalise the operational modalities for the water release. The Centre’s intervention aims to ensure equitable water distribution among the states while addressing urgent needs in a spirit of cooperation.