"Everyone condemned CM Mann's action": Haryana minister slams Punjab govt over water dispute

Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], May 3 (ANI): Following an all-party meeting over the water sharing dispute with Punjab, Haryana Minister Shruti Chaudhary on Saturday attacked the Punjab government and said that because of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's "undemocratic action" Haryana is not getting its share of water.
"Everyone today has condemned (Punjab CM) Bhagwant Mann's most undemocratic and unconstitutional action against BBMB's decision, as a result of which, Haryana is not getting its share of water. The state government will do everything that is required," Shruti Chaudhary told reporters.
Earlier on Saturday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini appealed to the people of both states to maintain peace and said that in the all-party meeting, a resolution was passed that the Punjab government should implement the decision made by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release Haryana's share of water.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Haryana CM said that the state is facing issues related to drinking water.
"I want to tell Mann sahib (Punjab CM) that this water doesn't belong to Punjab only but to the whole country. On 23rd April, the Bhakra Beas Management Board decided to give 8,500 cusec water to Haryana, but the Mann government did not honour this decision. On 30th April, in the BBMB meeting, a resolution was passed to implement the 23rd April decision. 12.55 MAF water is allotted to Haryana against 10.67 MAF given to the state. Punjab is using more than its share of water. Haryana is getting 17 per cent less water than originally allocated to it. At least don't do politics on water meant for drinking purpose. Today, in Haryana, we are facing issues related to drinking water," Haryana CM said.
Haryana CM said that Punjab government should release Haryana's share of water.
"In the all-party meeting today, it was decided that the Mann government (Punjab government) should release our share of water. We have also passed a resolution that the Punjab government should implement the decision taken by BBMB on 23rd April to release Haryana's share of water. We also appeal to the people of both states to maintain peace," Haryana CM said.
BBMB recently ordered that an additional 8,500 cusecs of water be released to Haryana.
Earlier on Saturday, the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government in Haryana called an all-party meeting in Chandigarh.
The statement comes after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised concerns on May 1 over decreasing water levels 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, respectively. (ANI)