Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute| Bhakra-Nangal Project | To The Point | Drishti IAS

Summary

The Punjab-Haryana water dispute has intensified, particularly after Haryana's request for additional water from the Bhakra Nangal Project was denied by Punjab. The dispute stems from a critical water shortage in Haryana's western districts and exacerbates the ongoing water crisis in Punjab, worsened by excessive groundwater use and poor water management. The Bhakra Nangal Project, serving multiple states, has been at the center of this controversy, managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). To resolve this issue, both states must work together to ensure fair water distribution and address the region's deepening water scarcity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Punjab-Haryana water dispute has escalated after Haryana's request for additional water from the Bhakra Nangal project was rejected by Punjab.
• 😀 Haryana sought an extra 4,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Nangal project on April 23, 2025, due to an acute shortage of drinking water in its western districts.
• 😀 The Bhakra Nangal project, located on the Sutlej River, serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydropower, flood control, and drinking water supply.
• 😀 The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) was formed in 1966 and is responsible for equitable water distribution among Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.
• 😀 Punjab only receives 17.95 billion cubic meters of water from the 42.4 billion cubic meters flowing through its rivers, contributing to tensions over water distribution.
• 😀 The excessive use of groundwater in Punjab, which accounts for about 47% of its annual water demand, worsens the region's water crisis.
• 😀 The Bhakra Nangal project was approved by the Bhakra Interest Management Board with support from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi, but Punjab voted against it.
• 😀 Punjab's water crisis is exacerbated by structural and administrative issues, such as poor water management and skewed water allocation.
• 😀 There is growing concern over the unsustainable use of groundwater, which depletes water resources and worsens the overall water shortage, especially in urban areas.
• 😀 Resolving the Punjab-Haryana water dispute requires cooperation between the two states and the addressing of underlying issues like groundwater depletion and inefficient water management.

Q & A

What triggered the escalation of the water dispute between Punjab and Haryana?

The dispute escalated when Haryana requested additional water from the Bhakra Nangal project, which was rejected by Punjab.

What was the amount of water Haryana requested from the Bhakra Nangal project?

Haryana requested an additional 4500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Nangal project.

Why did Haryana request additional water from the Bhakra Nangal project?

Haryana requested additional water due to an acute shortage of drinking water in its western districts.

What is the role of the Bhakra Nangal Project?

The Bhakra Nangal Project serves multiple purposes including irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and providing drinking water.

Which states benefit from the Bhakra Nangal Project?

Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan benefit from the Bhakra Nangal Project.

Who manages the water distribution from the Bhakra Nangal Project?

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is responsible for managing the water distribution from the Bhakra Nangal Project.

What are the main issues contributing to Punjab's water crisis?

Punjab's water crisis is caused by skewed water allocation, excessive groundwater use, and falling water levels in dams.

How much water does Punjab receive from its rivers compared to its total water availability?

Punjab receives 17.95 billion cubic meters of water out of the 42.4 BCM flowing through its rivers.

What is the effect of excessive groundwater use in Punjab?

Excessive groundwater use in Punjab meets about 47% of the annual water demand, which is unsustainable and depletes water resources, worsening water scarcity.

What is the proposed solution to the Punjab-Haryana water dispute?

The solution proposed is for both states to cooperate and ensure equitable distribution of water, while also addressing the root causes like groundwater depletion and poor water management.