Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute Over BBMB Allocation

Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute Over BBMB Allocation

Why in the News ?

Amid rising tensions, Punjab’s political parties have united against the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to release 4,500 cusecs extra water to Haryana, prompting a legal face-off as Haryana approaches the Supreme Court and Punjab explores countermeasures.

Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute Over BBMB Allocation

Dispute over Extra Water Allocation:

  • On April 23, Haryana demanded 8,500 cusecs, 4,500 cusecs more than usual, from Bhakra-Nangal.
  • Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann refused, citing non-availability.
  • BBMB, with support from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi, approved the release, bypassing Punjab’s objection.
  • Himachal Pradesh abstained from the vote.
  • Punjab declined to open additional sluice gates, and both states are now exploring legal remedies.

Role of BBMB and Historical Context

  • Bhakra-Nangal Project, dating back to pre-independence, includes Bhakra Dam (Himachal) and Nangal Dam (Punjab).
  • Initially managed by Punjab, post-state reorganization, the BBMB was formed under the Punjab Reorganisation Act (1966).
  • It manages water from Sutlej and Beas rivers, including Pandoh and Pong dams.
  • For 2023-24, BBMB allocated:
    • Punjab – 512 MAF

    • Haryana – 987 MAF

    • Rajasthan – 318 MAF

Current Crisis and Way Forward

  • Punjab claims Haryana already used 110 MAF (over 100% of its share).
  • Water levels in dams are significantly lower due to less snowfall.
  • Haryana CM says Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad need urgent drinking water.
  • Experts suggest conditional release without altering quotas, with future compensation to Punjab if needed.

About Bhakra-Nangal Dam System:

●Bhakra Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Sutlej River, located near the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border.
● It is India’s second tallest dam at 225.55 m, after Tehri Dam (261 m).
●The dam creates the Gobind Sagar Reservoir, which can store 9.34 billion cubic meters of water.
●Nangal Dam is located downstream of Bhakra Dam; both are often collectively referred to as the Bhakra-Nangal Project, though they are separate structures.
●The project plays a key role in irrigation, hydropower, and flood control.

About Pong Dam (Maharana Pratap Sagar):

●Built in 1975 on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh.
● Forms the Pong Reservoir, also called Maharana Pratap Sagar.
●Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary (1983) and Wetland of National Importance (1994).
●Recognized as a Ramsar Site in November 2002 for its ecological value.