Context: Tensions escalated between Punjab and Haryana over the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to release an additional 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
Bhakra-Nangal Project – Key Subpoints
Historical Background
One of the earliest post-Independence river valley development projects.
Originally conceived in the 1910s.
Structure and Location
Comprises Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh and Nangal Dam in Punjab (10 km downstream).
Nangal Dam is an extension of the Bhakra Dam, controlling releases into the Nangal Hydel Channel.
Administrative Evolution
Initially under the Punjab government before the state’s reorganization.
After the 1966 Punjab Reorganisation Act, the Bhakra Management Board was formed to oversee the project.
Renaming and Expansion (1976)
Renamed the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Took on additional responsibility for Beas River projects:
Beas-Sutlej Link Project (Pandoh Dam)
Pong Dam (both in Himachal Pradesh)
Role in Water Distribution
BBMB allocates water annually among Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, based on monsoon forecasts.
Current allocations (as of the latest year):
Punjab: 5.512 million acre-feet (MAF)
Haryana: 2.987 MAF
Rajasthan: 3.318 MAF
Reasons Behind the Current Dispute
Haryana’s Demand
Requested an additional 4,500 cusecs of water for drinking purposes, citing acute shortages in Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad districts.
Punjab’s Objection
Opposed the request, highlighting low water levels in key reservoirs (Bhakra, Pong, Ranjit Sagar) due to scant Himalayan snowfall.
Warned that any extra release would compromise its own irrigation and drinking water needs.
BBMB Decision
Despite Punjab’s opposition, the majority of BBMB states (Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi) supported the release.
Punjab rejected the directive, calling it “unprecedented” and “illegal”, and refused to open the additional sluice gates.
Legal Escalation
In response, Haryana filed a case in the Supreme Court under Article 131, seeking enforcement of its water entitlement.
Way Forward
Establish a National Water Commission
Conduct real-time water audits.
Create a science-based and transparent allocation system.
Reform BBMB
Include independent hydrological experts.
Ensure transparent operations and consensus-based decision-making.
Promote Interstate Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Develop alternative resolution platforms to address issues before approaching the judiciary.
Adopt Climate-Adaptive Water Planning
Use weather forecasts and real-time dam data to assess actual water availability.
Implement flexible, equitable sharing frameworks based on current conditions.