Chandigarh, May 21 (HS): In the ongoing Bhakra water dispute between Haryana and Punjab, the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) has commenced a new water release cycle starting Wednesday at 1 PM. Following criteria established in a meeting on May 15, Punjab will receive about 17,000 cusecs, Haryana 10,300 cusecs, and Rajasthan 12,400 cusecs of water. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attended a protest at Nangal Dam to highlight the need to save Punjab’s water, urging the protestors to disperse. He expressed concerns over a recent BBMB order mandating the release of 4,500 cusecs of additional water, which the Punjab government contested, claiming prior agreements had already allotted the water due to usage until March 31.

CM Mann asserted he had informed Haryana that water would be available by May 21 and emphasized that Punjab is utilizing its own share. He appealed to Haryana not to disturb Punjab until then and to use the water as needed. Mann reminded that Punjab’s agricultural demands depend on sufficient water supply, despite the notion that Indian benefits from Punjab’s contributions often overlook water rights issues.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar