The ongoing Punjab-Haryana water dispute has escalated tensions over the allocation of water resources from the Bhakra-Nangal Project. On May 9, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened after Punjab restricted water flow from the Bhakra dam to Haryana, raising concerns about governance and resource management in the region.
The Bhakra-Nangal Project is one of India’s most significant river valley initiatives. Built across the Sutlej River near Bhakra village in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, it is Asia’s second tallest dam and India’s tallest straight gravity dam. Operated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the dam forms the Gobind Sagar Reservoir, playing a critical role in water and power supply for Punjab and Haryana.
Proposed in 1944 by Sir Chhotu Ram and approved on January 8, 1945, the Bhakra-Nangal Project was among India’s first major infrastructure projects after Independence. Construction began in 1948 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963. With an estimated cost of ₹245.28 crore, the project symbolizes India’s commitment to harnessing natural resources for development.
The BBMB allocates water annually based on monsoon patterns. For the current year, Punjab was allocated 5.512 million acre-feet (MAF), while Haryana received 2.987 MAF. Disputes arise when states exceed their quotas, with Punjab alleging that Haryana has consumed 104% of its share, intensifying tensions over fair distribution.
On May 8, 2025, a Punjab Cabinet minister led a protest at the BBMB guesthouse, preventing the chairperson from releasing water to Haryana. This prompted the Punjab and Haryana High Court to intervene on May 9, 2025, describing the incident as a serious governance failure. The court warned of potential contempt proceedings if Punjab continued to obstruct BBMB operations.
Water levels in key reservoirs, including the Ranjit Sagar and Pong dams, are significantly lower than last year. This shortage raises concerns about water availability for both states during the dry season, underscoring the need for sustainable water management practices to address future challenges.
Punjab argues that Haryana is misusing its water allocation and emphasizes the need for judicious resource use. The state claims to provide more water than necessary on humanitarian grounds, asserting that Haryana’s actual drinking water needs are lower than its demands.
The Union Home Secretary proposed a mediation plan, allowing Haryana to borrow water from Punjab with a commitment to repay later. However, Punjab boycotted the meeting, citing procedural issues, further complicating efforts to resolve the dispute and highlighting the challenges of interstate water governance.
Key Points About the Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute
- The Bhakra-Nangal Project, built on the Sutlej River, is Asia’s second tallest dam and forms the Gobind Sagar Reservoir.
- The BBMB allocates water annually, with Punjab receiving 5.512 MAF and Haryana 2.987 MAF for the current year.
- On May 9, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened after Punjab restricted water flow to Haryana.
- Water levels in Ranjit Sagar and Pong dams are lower than last year, raising concerns about future shortages.
- The Union Home Secretary’s mediation efforts were stalled due to Punjab’s boycott over procedural concerns.