Punjab Assembly passes resolution on water rights; CM questions free water supply to Rajasthan and raises ₹1.44 lakh crore royalty claim

Chandigarh, 27 October (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday declared that the state would not surrender a single drop of its rightful river water share. Addressing the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on the final day of its session, he asserted that the government would fight through every legal and democratic means to protect Punjab’s water rights.

Participating in discussions on resolutions concerning river waters, Mann maintained that water is a state subject and control over headworks rests with states. He said Punjab would strongly oppose any attempt to compromise its legitimate interests.

The Chief Minister challenged Haryana’s claim over Ravi-Beas waters while questioning why Punjab’s share in Yamuna waters remained unrecognised. He argued that the Yamuna was historically part of undivided Punjab and demanded fair treatment in water distribution. Mann also questioned Rajasthan’s continued access to Punjab’s river waters without royalty payments.

The Chief Minister stated that Punjab had received royalties on its river waters until 1960, after which payments stopped.

He claimed that approximately ₹1.44 lakh crore was now due to Punjab and accused successive governments of overlooking the state’s interests.

He emphasised that Punjab’s farmers had contributed immensely to national food security and should not face discrimination over natural resources.

Highlighting irrigation reforms, Mann said canal water utilisation had increased from 22% in 2022 to nearly 80% under his government. He stated that approximately 14,000 kilometres of underground pipelines had been laid, while canals, distributaries and watercourses had been cleaned and restored.

The government had also revived the Kandi Canal after nearly four decades and operationalised eight new canals across Pathankot, Amritsar and Gurdaspur.

According to the Chief Minister, these initiatives had helped extend irrigation facilities to approximately 60.80 lakh acres of agricultural land.

Mann reiterated that Punjab would pursue its legitimate water rights through courts and democratic protests if necessary.

He maintained that protecting farmers, strengthening irrigation infrastructure and ensuring equitable distribution of river waters remained central priorities of his government.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH