Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the state will raise the issue of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) at the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting. He said the water-sharing deals between Punjab and other states need to be reviewed.
Mann spoke at a rally at Nangal Dam, where Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers had been protesting for 20 days. After his speech, they ended their protest and called the day “Fateh Divas” (Victory Day). They praised Mann as the “Pania Da Rakha” (Saviour of Waters).
He said previous governments did not take action, and now 2,550 jobs meant for Punjabis in the BBMB are empty. He promised to fill those jobs and said Punjab would stop the appointment of retired Haryana officials in the BBMB.
Mann claimed that the BBMB owes Punjab over Rs 130 crore, including interest, since the Bhakra Dam was built. He said Punjab would recover this amount from the BBMB budget.
He also pointed out that the BBMB office does not have a photo of the Punjab CM, though it displays photos of the Haryana and Rajasthan CMs.
On water issues, Mann said Punjab has no extra water to give to Haryana. Still, the state would allow 100 cusecs more water for now, starting June 1, when paddy sowing begins. But he warned that Haryana should not use more than its share in the future.
He added that Punjab had never used more than 70% of its water share but is now working to fully use it by improving the canal system.
Later, Mann met village leaders in Sangrur and asked Haryana to use its water share wisely. He also listened to the problems and needs of the local people.
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