Punjab Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal Says State Protecting Its Water Rights, Slams Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu For ‘Harassment’ Remarks

Muktsar: Addressing the water dispute issue between Punjab and Haryana, Punjab minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the state is not taking away anyone's rights and alleged harassment from other states.

He said that Punjab is protecting its rights and condemned the statement made by the Himachal Pradesh CM, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on the issue. On Saturday, Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh doesn't even get its share of water as it is divided between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

"We are not taking away anyone's rights, we are just protecting our rights... Other states are harassing us... Our government always works with planning... We will continue to protect our rights... I want to ask Punjab LoP Pratap Singh Bajwa and Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Vading whether they agree with the statement of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu? ... We condemn the statement of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu", Punjab minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said.

Tensions escalated between Punjab and Haryana after the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) ordered the Punjab government to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.

However, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann lashed out at BBMB, highlighting that Punjab holds 60 percent of the board's share and has the final say in decisions.

On May 1, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised concerns over the decreasing water level in key reservoirs. He mentioned that the water levels in Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam are 32 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet below last year's levels.

Meanwhile, politicians of both states called an all-party meeting on May 2 and 3, where the issue was discussed. While the state unit of Congress in Punjab supported the Aam Aadmi Party government, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Saturday said that Punjab has "no right" to stop Haryana's water.

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