'Water is Punjab’s Right, Whether Canals or Treaties'- CM Bhagwant Mann in Assembly

National News: On the second day of the Punjab Assembly’s special session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took part in the House proceedings and strongly articulated the state's position on the long-standing and contentious issue of water rights. He addressed the opposition's concerns and spoke extensively on matters such as the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL), Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), and the Indus Water Treaty.

Water distribution should be reviewed every 25 years 

Referring to the BBMB issue, CM Mann said the Punjab government had recently convened an all-party meeting, which saw participation and consensus from across the political spectrum. He pointed out that discussions on the SYL were also held in Delhi.

“As per the riparian principle, there should be a review of water distribution every 25 years. But no one ever reviewed how much water was available then and how much is left today,” he emphasized.

Indus Treaty Scrapped—Will Punjab finally benefit?

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move to revoke the Indus Water Treaty could benefit Punjab significantly. “With this decision, rivers like the Chenab, Ravi, Ujh, and those from Kashmir can now supply water to Punjab. This water can be diverted to Pong Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, and Bhakra Dam,” he said. He reiterated, “Punjab deserves the first right as it is a riparian state.”

He also claimed that under his administration, irrigation through canal water has risen from 21% to 63% over the past few years.

Sharp attack on Opposition 

CM Mann launched a blistering attack on the opposition, saying, “You may have only seen videos of water flowing in canals after 40–45 years, but you ruled Punjab for nearly six decades. Yet, you never ensured water for the farmers. You didn’t even understand what water meant to the people of Punjab.”

Punjab demands removal of CISF from BBMB 

The Chief Minister revealed that the Punjab government had repeatedly warned BBMB through official letters over six months that Haryana was using more than its allotted share of water. He added, “Haryana exhausted its water allocation by March 31 and is now demanding more. But when our own villages face water scarcity—even violence over water—how can we give away what we don’t have?”

"Build canals if needed, but don’t deny Punjab its share"

Taking a dig at the Central Government, CM Mann said, “Don’t scrap this treaty just because a foreign leader like Trump says so. Let Punjab receive its rightful share first. We will only send water to Haryana when we too get an equitable portion.”

He further added, “Even if canals are built, Punjab must get water access points (mogas) every 100 to 200 meters. Only then will we agree to land acquisition for new canal projects.”