Haryana’s New Water Demand Crosses Capacity Limits, Violates Prior Agreements: Barinder Goel
Chandigarh, May 15: Punjab Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal had an important announcement today. He said that Haryana has further complicated water-sharing negotiations. They increased their already unfeasible water demand from 9,525 cusecs to 10,300 cusecs. This change occurred during today’s Technical Committee meeting of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Haryana’s escalating demand is alarming
The Cabinet Minister shared an update after the meeting of officials of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. He stated that Haryana’s escalating demand is alarming. It clearly shows Haryana’s unwillingness to reach a reasonable resolution to our shared water challenges. Haryana tactics appear designed to create an impossible situation rather than work toward practical solutions.
He said that in the Technical Committee meeting, the BBMB Chairman chaired the session. Krishan Kumar and Sher Singh represented the Punjab. They served as Water Resources Secretary and Chief Engineer, respectively. Chief Engineers from Haryana and Rajasthan also attended. Central Government representatives participated virtually.
Water Demand ;Haryana had initially demanded 8,500 cusecs
The Cabinet Minister said that “Haryana had initially demanded 8,500 cusecs. Our technical team clearly explained that this was impossible to provide. Punjab has been supplying 4,000 cusecs since April 4. This is done on humanitarian grounds and specifically for drinking water purposes,” said Barinder Kumar Goyal.
He informed us that we already explained our limitations. Haryana has demanded 10,300 cusecs of water to be delivered from May 21 onward. This demand is despite their previous written correspondence requesting 9,525 cusecs. This reflects a significant and unexplained increase.
Punjab requires a minimum of 3,000 cusecs for our own critical needs.
Barinder Kumar Goyal stressed the physical impossibility of meeting Haryana’s demands. He said that the Bhakra Main Line (BML) has a maximum capacity of 11,700 cusecs. Punjab requires a minimum of 3,000 cusecs for our own critical needs. Now, Haryana’s demand of 10,300 cusecs would effectively leave Punjab with almost no water. This demand exceeds what the infrastructure can safely handle, especially while repairs of BML are ongoing.
He said that Punjab officials presented documentation of Haryana’s previous written request for 9,525 cusecs during the meeting, highlighting the contradiction with their new demand. The BBMB Chairman acknowledged the discrepancy and committed to examining the matter further, he added.
“By making these technically impossible demands, Haryana is deliberately creating complications in the water-sharing arrangement,” said the Cabinet Minister, adding that Punjab has consistently adhered to all BBMB rules and regulations, while Haryana continues to shift its position.
“The Minister also clarified Punjab’s position regarding the ongoing water supply, stating that Punjab has been providing 4,000 cusecs to Haryana since April 4 from its own allocation. He added that Punjab has formally stated it will require Haryana to return the total accumulated volume when needed.”
The Cabinet Minister said that when the meeting began, the Rajasthan government expressed appreciation to Punjab for reliably supplying water when needed. In contrast, Haryana reverted to making excessive demands.
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