Punjab vs Haryana: What’s Behind the Bhakra Water Tensions?

Why in News?

The Bhakra water dispute between Punjab and Haryana has once again come into the spotlight in 2025. The issue started when the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) ordered the release of extra water to Haryana. Punjab strongly opposed this decision, saying that the water levels in its dams are already very low and that Haryana has already used more than its fair share.

What is the Bhakra-Nangal Project?

The Bhakra-Nangal project is a major water system built on the Sutlej River. It includes two important dams: Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh and Nangal Dam in Punjab. These dams store and supply water for irrigation, drinking, and power generation. After the division of Punjab in 1966, the BBMB was created to manage and distribute water between Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.

How is Water Shared?

• Every year, BBMB sets how much water each state gets. For this year, Punjab was given 5.512 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, Haryana got 2.987 MAF, and Rajasthan received 3.318 MAF.
• Recently, Haryana asked for 8,500 cusecs of water, which is 4,500 cusecs more than what it is currently getting. Punjab rejected this request, saying it cannot give more water at this time.

Punjab’s Stand

Punjab says that Haryana has already taken 104 percent of its yearly water quota. It also points out that the current water levels in major dams like Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar are much lower than last year. Punjab argues that it cannot afford to share more water, especially before the monsoon season, when water is already scarce. All political parties in Punjab have come together in opposition to the BBMB’s order.

Haryana’s Argument

Haryana has accused Punjab of playing politics over water. It says that many parts of the state, especially Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad, are facing a serious shortage of drinking water. Haryana argues that drinking water should be given top priority and insists that it is not getting its fair share.

Environmental Challenges

This water crisis is also linked to climate change. Less snowfall in the Himalayas this winter has resulted in lower water levels in the dams. All three major dams are showing less water compared to last year. Since this dispute is happening just before the monsoon, water scarcity is worse than usual.

What Did BBMB Decide?

• During a recent meeting, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi voted to release the extra water. Punjab voted against it, and Himachal Pradesh did not vote. BBMB went ahead with the decision to release the water.
• However, Punjab refused to open the necessary gates at Nangal Dam, which would allow the water to flow to Haryana. As a result, Haryana has announced that it will take the matter to the Supreme Court. Punjab is also looking at legal options to challenge BBMB’s decision.