Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday described the recent verdict by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) case as a moral victory for the state. Addressing a public gathering in Ludhiana, the Chief Minister said the court had sought replies from all stakeholders, including the Centre, Haryana, and BBMB, by May 20, ahead of Haryana’s next water entitlement on May 21.
The CM claimed that Haryana had exhausted its share of water for the current year and that Punjab had defended its rightful share despite pressure from the Centre, Haryana, and BBMB.
“It is a huge win for the state. We have protected every drop of our water from being taken unlawfully,” Mann said. “Our river resources have dried up and we need every bit of water to meet our irrigation needs.”
He further stated that Punjab’s resilience should not be underestimated, noting, “If we can protect the nation’s borders, we can safeguard our waters too.”
₹13-Crore Development Package for Ludhiana
During his visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated multiple development projects worth ₹13 crore in Ludhiana. These include:
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A new bridge over Buddha Dariya
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A box cricket stadium and a modern auditorium at Ambedkar Hall in Salem Tabri
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An ultra-modern sports ground in Salem Tabri, built at a cost of ₹26 lakh, equipped with facilities for cricket, basketball, handball, and badminton, along with floodlights and CCTV cameras
Mann said the new playground would help channel the energy of the youth into sports and healthy activities.
UPSC Coaching Centres Announced
In a bid to support aspirants preparing for the civil services, Mann announced the establishment of eight UPSC coaching centres across Punjab, including one in Ludhiana.
“The centre will provide hostel facilities, a full-fledged library, and all the necessary support to help students crack the IAS and IPS exams,” he said, adding that Ludhiana was selected due to his personal association with the city.
Attack on Union Minister Bittu
CM Mann also launched a scathing attack on Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, accusing him of contributing nothing to Ludhiana’s development. Mann said Bittu, despite being from the city, only criticizes him to stay in the good books of his political superiors.
“He wakes up every morning just to badmouth me. That’s his only achievement,” Mann remarked.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to protecting Punjab’s water rights, promoting youth development, and accelerating infrastructure growth across the state.
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