In a heated legal battle over the release of extra water from Bhakra Nangal Dam, the Haryana Government told the High Court that this water is the lifeline of its farmers, and no state should be allowed to act on its own without agreement.
The case arose after the Punjab Government moved an application to recall the Court's May 6 order that had allowed Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release extra water to Haryana. In response, the Centre, BBMB, and Haryana filed their replies opposing Punjab’s request.
The Haryana Government, in its response, emphasized:
“Water released by BBMB is the lifeline of Haryana’s farmers. Their livelihood fully depends on it.”
It argued that Punjab cannot forcibly control water operations and must follow decisions made by the expert body, BBMB. It also highlighted that Punjab has still not complied with a 2002 High Court order requiring it to complete the SYL (Satluj-Yamuna Link) canal.
“Despite the May 6 order, Punjab’s actions to take control of the dam using police force show a defiant attitude,” Haryana added.
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The Union Government supported Haryana’s stand. Through the Ministry of Power, it stated that BBMB had already decided, in its April 30 meeting, to release water to Haryana as per the 1974 BBMB Rules. It also pointed out that Bhakra Dam water levels are carefully managed each year, and supply to partner states depends on availability.
“Excess water to Punjab can be given later during dam-filling if needed,” the Centre noted, referring to the May 3 BBMB meeting decision.
The BBMB, backing Haryana and the Court, criticized Punjab’s delayed legal move. It pointed out that Punjab only raised objections after enforcement began.
“Even if the Court recalls its order on extra water to Haryana, the part stopping Punjab’s interference in dam operations still stands,” BBMB said.
The Board also stated that Punjab had falsely claimed Haryana no longer needed extra water. In reality, BBMB officials were prevented from releasing water by Punjab Police, and dam operations were halted.
During earlier hearings, the High Court acknowledged Punjab’s tense situation due to border issues with Pakistan but still expected compliance.
“This Court is conscious of the sensitive atmosphere but does not wish to burden Punjab's top officers with contempt notices,” the bench observed.
Still, it stated that Punjab had prima facie not followed the May 6 orders.
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On May 6, the Court had barred Punjab Police from interfering with BBMB operations and asked all parties to follow the Union Government’s decision to release water. However, BBMB later filed a contempt petition, claiming Punjab obstructed the release.
Chairman of BBMB, Manoj Tripathi, told the Court that two officers assigned to release water were blocked by police. He himself was gheraoed at a guest house until rescued.
“I was surrounded by civilians and rescued by the Punjab Police,” Tripathi stated during a video call with the Court.
The Court then directed him to submit an affidavit and asked ASG Satya Pal Jain to submit records of the May 2 meeting, where 4500 cusecs of extra water for Haryana had been approved.
This case—Bhakra Beas Management Board v. State of Punjab and Others—continues amid rising tensions, with Haryana fighting for what it calls a basic right for its farmers, and Punjab resisting, citing procedural issues.
Bench: Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel
Title: Bhakra Beas Management Board v. State of Punjab and Others
