Will use every constitutional, legal remedy to get our water share: Saini
A resolution was passed by consensus during an all-party meeting asking the Punjab government to implement the April 23 and 30 decisions of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to allocate 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana unconditionally.
With the neighbouring Punjab not showing any inclination to abide with the advice of the central government to allow flow of 8,500 cusecs of Bhakra water to Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini on Saturday said that the state will not stay quiet and use every constitutional platform and legal remedy to protect its interests.
Saini who chaired an all-party meeting on Saturday said that a resolution was passed by consensus asking the Punjab government to implement the April 23 and 30 decisions of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to allocate 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana unconditionally.
Leaders cutting across party lines – Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Udai Bhan from Congress, Mohan Lal Badoli from BJP, Dushyant Chautala of the JJP, Rampal Majra and Aditya Devi Lal of the INLD and Sushil Gupta from the AAP - attended the Saturday meeting.
The CM said that by refusing to comply with the allocation of water decided by the BBMB for Haryana, Punjab government has not only done injustice with Haryana but initiated a direct attack on federalism. Saini said this water is meant for drinking purposes and by curtailing the allocation, Punjab is doing great injustice.
'It is a wrong precedent being set by the Punjab government. A state cannot be allowed to hit at the federal structure of the country. Punjab being a border state should act in a more responsible manner. We do not want any confrontation with Punjab but are seeking the co-operation from Punjab,' Saini said a press briefing after the meeting.
Saini said that Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann who has taken oath of Constitution is indulging in an unconstitutional act by refusing to comply with the BBMB decision.
'This water belongs to the nation. It does not belong to one particular state. This is not a such a big issue as has been made out by the Punjab government. For years, Haryana has been getting more water from Bhakra at Haryana contact point even when the water level was low. For instance, in 2018 and 2019 when the dam water level was quite low at about 1,533 feet and 1,623 feet respectively, Haryana got 8,135 cusecs and 10,183 cusecs respectively,' Saini said. The CM said that if the water is not utilised adequately from the dam as its level is at 1,555 feet now, it will get wasted as it will have to be released to Pakistan.
Saini said the Punjab CMs claim that Haryana has exhausted its share of water on March 31, is misleading. 'The BBMB data shows that Haryana has used its quota. But for April 2025, BBMBs technical committee allocated additional water to Haryana. Mann's move to not allow the additional water to flow to Haryana is not only unethical but illegal and unconstitutional,' Saini said.
Saini said that the Punjab CM should not forgot that Haryana was not allocated less than 9,000 cusecs of water in the months of April and May in 2022, 2023, 2024 at Haryana contact point HCP. 'In May 2022, an average 9,727 cusecs was allocated while in May 2023, an average 9,850 cusec and in May 2024 an average 10,067 cusecs was allocated,' he said.
'The water allocated in May from Bhakra is used by Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan for their drinking needs only. In the last many years, about 800 cusecs of Haryana water has been allocated to Rajasthan, 400 cusecs to Punjab and 500 cusecs for Delhi for fulfilling its drinking water needs,' Saini said.
Former Haryana chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that deployment of Punjab Police at Nangal dam to prevent release of water to Haryana was a serious matter.
BOX
Punjab has been getting more water from Bhakra Nangal as compared to its share for the last 10 years. Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini on Saturday said that the technical committee of the BBMB in its April 23 meeting decided to allocate 8,500 cusecs water to Haryana. The April 30 meeting of the Board of BBMB reiterated the April 23 decision of the technical committee. 'Haryana's total allocation is 12.55 million acre feet (MAF) but it is actually getting 10.67 MAF water. On the other hand, neighbouring Punjab's allocation is 14.67 MAF but it is utilising 17.15 MAF water. Thus, its clear that Punjab is using more water than its allocation while Haryana is getting 17% less water of its allocation,'' Saini said at a briefing.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
32 minutes ago
- The Hindu
The difficult task of keeping everyone happy
The recent Cabinet expansion in Telangana reflects the Congress's promised commitment to social justice. By inducting three Ministers — Gaddam Vivek and Adluri Laxman from the Scheduled Caste (SC) group and Vakiti Srihari from the Backward Classes (BC) group — as well as leaders from socially and economically backward communities for various posts, the party has attempted to realign its power structure to better represent historically marginalised groups. However, this has not come without friction, particularly from the dominant Reddy community, which feels ignored despite its numerical and political clout in the Assembly. Of the seven BC MLAs in the Congress, three have been given Cabinet posts and two have been appointed as chief whip and whip. Among Ministers, Ponnam Prabhakar is from the Goud community, Konda Surekha belongs to the Padmashali community (with her husband hailing from the Munnuru Kapu community), and Vakiti Srihari comes from the Mudiraj caste. Pradesh Congress Committee chief A. Mahesh Kumar Goud is a Goud from the BC community. BCs enjoy more representation not just in the Cabinet, but also in key political roles. Additionally, with the inclusion of Mr. Vivek and Mr. Laxman, the number of SC leaders in the Cabinet has increased to four. They are split equally between the Mala and Madiga sub-groups. This balance is critical in a State where internal divisions within SC communities have influenced political equations, particularly the Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, a Mala, holds the Finance portfolio, while former Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Raja Narsimha holds the Health portfolio. Despite this progressive outlook, Congress has triggered dissatisfaction within its largest and historically most influential support base, the Reddy community. In the 119-member Assembly, 43 MLAs are from the Reddy community. Within the Congress, 26 of the 64 MLAs are from the Reddy community. Those who have been left out include strong aspirants such as Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, P. Sudarshan Reddy, T. Rammohan Reddy, and Malreddy Ranga Reddy. Mr. Rajgopal Reddy, who played a key role in boosting the Congress's prospects by jumping ship from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the elections, feels particularly aggrieved, especially since his political ally, Vivek Venkatswamy, was inducted into the Cabinet. Both leaders were promised a berth. When Mr. Rajgopal Reddy, Mr. Venkatswamy, and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) entered the Congress at around the same time, it created the perception that the BJP was losing ground and that the Congress was the only alternative to the BRS. No one can deny impact of these leaders on the overall performance of the party even though Revanth Reddy, who was then PCC chief, strongly built an anti-BRS narrative. The BJP, which was looking strong, lost steam when Mr. Rajgopal Reddy and Mr. Venkatswamy exited the party at a crucial juncture. Mr. Rajgopal Reddy's brother, Komatireddy Venkata Reddy, is a Minister and hails from Nalgonda — a Reddy bastion. While being progressive in its politics, the Congress would also do well in ensuring that its traditional support base, the Reddy community, is kept happy. While the Congress's caste arithmetic may have worked, the representation of regional and minority members leaves much to be desired. Key districts such as Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Nizamabad have gone not represented in the Cabinet. Muslims, and Lambadas among the tribal communities, have also been left out. There is no Muslim MLA in the Congress fold. The party has only one Muslim MLC, Amer Ali Khan. To bridge this gap, Congress is considering fielding a Muslim candidate from Jubilee Hills in the coming by-election. The names of Mohd Azharuddin, a cricketer, and Faheem Qureshi, a confidante of the Chief Minister, are being floated. To compensate for the absence of the Lambada community, the Chief Minister nominated Ram Chander Naik, an MLA from Dornakal, as Deputy Speaker. This complements the appointment of Gaddam Prasad Kumar, a Dalit, as Speaker. As a result, Telangana is perhaps the only State where both the presiding officers of the Assembly belong to the SC and ST communities, respectively.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
$134 million and counting: Pentagon details the whopping cost of sending troops to quell L.A. riots
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was grilled by Congress on why troops were sent to Los Angeles and how much it cost. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) told Hegseth that his time as Defense Secretary has been full of 'endless chaos.' as per Associated Press report. The hearing got heated, with lawmakers and Hegseth yelling over each other at times. After lots of pressure, Pentagon's acting controller, Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, said sending troops to LA would cost $134 million. Hegseth defended the decision, saying the troops are there to protect federal agents during their work. He said under Trump, the use of troops inside the U.S. would probably increase to better protect the homeland. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do You Remember Him? You Better Sit Down Before You See Him Today Reportingly Undo Troops for help This was Hegseth's first time answering tough questions in front of Congress since becoming Defense Secretary. The hearing was the first of three Hegseth will face this week. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) challenged Hegseth over sending 700 active Marines along with 4,100 National Guard members to guard federal buildings in L.A. during immigration raid protests. Hegseth avoided direct answers but then let MacDonnell explain that the $134 million would cover travel, housing, and food. Live Events Hegseth justified the 60-day deployment by saying they're there to stop 'rioters, looters and thugs' from attacking the police. The Posse Comitatus Act says U.S. troops can't police citizens, unless the Insurrection Act is used, which is super rare. It's unclear if Trump plans to use the Insurrection Act. Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith told lawmakers the Marines in L.A. haven't had to act yet. He said they can't make arrests, they are only there to protect federal buildings and workers. When asked if Marines might use deadly force, Smith said he isn't worried, he trusts his troops to follow the law. FAQs Q1. Why were U.S. troops sent to Los Angeles? They were sent to protect federal buildings during protest-related unrest. Q2. How much did the L.A. troop deployment cost? The Pentagon said it cost around $134 million for 60 days.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Modi govt invested Rs 44,859 cr in 3,600+ Northeast projects: Sarbananda Sonowal
Guwahati: The Union Minister of Ports , Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal , strongly countered the Congress party's criticism of the Modi government's performance over the past 11 years, asserting that the grand old party has 'forfeited the right to criticize' in the court of the people. Emphasizing the transformative progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Minister said the Congress, which neglected the aspirations of the people for more than six decades, now stands exposed before a new India that rewards performance and punishes apathy. 'Congress has lost all moral rights. They had destroyed the prospect of Northeast when they misgoverned the country for more than six decades. The dark days of Congress governments were filled with violence, insurgency, terrorism that dragged our beautiful region in to a vortex of deprivation, devastation, discord and division. Peace was a distant dream. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top US Doctors Stunned By New German Hearing Aid That Costs Less Than Dinner Out Top Trending News Today Learn More Undo This was reversed only with the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji who took decisive steps to transform the region, respect the aspirations of the people, find solutions, usher a new era of peace and brotherhood, and ultimately, transform it as the Growth Engine of new India,' said Sarbananda . Sonowal highlighted the major achievements of the Narendra Modi led government over 11 years and explained how it delivered unprecedented welfare benefits to every section of the society — uplifting the poor 'Garib Kalyan', empowering the women 'Nari Shakti', transforming agriculture 'Krishak Kalyan' and empowering the youth through skill based training and employment opportunities through innovative policy action via Start Up India or Digital India campaigns. Live Events Sonowal also underlined how more than 2.19 lakh farmers benefitted from the Mission Organic Value Chain Development, 434 Farmer Producer Organizations formed, covering 1.73 lakh hectares. Sonowal said, 'Under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji, the Govt is working towards building Viksit Bharat during this Amrit Kala by focusing on 'Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan' (Service, Good Governance and Welfare of the Poor). Over 81 crore people now receive free rations under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, more than 15 crore rural households have access to tap water under 'Har Ghar Jal', and Rs 3.7 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers through PM-KISAN. Women's empowerment has seen historic strides—from 33% reservation in legislatures under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to direct benefit transfers for more than 3.9 crore pregnant women, and the historic admission of women into the National Defence Academy (NDA).' Since 2014, the Modi government has brought the Northeast into the mainstream of India's development journey with unprecedented investment and focused attention. The Northeast has emerged transformative with 'Insurgency has declined by 64% since 2014, AFSPA has been withdrawn from 75% of the region', added Sonowal. The government has approved over 3,600 projects worth Rs 44,859 crore, built 10 greenfield airports, and expanded connectivity and organic farming through focused missions. 'Under PM Modi's leadership, the Northeast is being repositioned not as a peripheral zone, but as India's vital Gateway to the East, with peace, progress, and prosperity at its core', Sonowal further said. Sonowal highlighted the immense possibilities of tourism sector in the region. Tourism-led growth has emerged as a key pillar of Meghalaya 's development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Sonowal said, 'Shillong is a beautiful city, Meghalaya is a gift of Mother Earth. We must celebrate her with utmost sincerity and ensure sustainable development through harnessing the immense possibilities in the tourism sector. The boom in tourism in the state is a positive sign as how Meghalaya has become a destination of choice for most domestic as well as international tourists visiting India. Meghalaya is a shining example of success of schemes like Swadesh Darshan. The Modi Govt sanctioned Rs 244 Cr to boost Sustainable Tourism which has created potential in iconic destinations like Umium Lake, Sohpetbneng, Krang Suri Falls, Siju Caves, and Nokrek Reserve are being transformed into world-class tourist attractions. From waterfall trails to the Meghalayan Age Cave Experience, the focus on sustainable and immersive tourism has revitalised local economies and created livelihood opportunities. Spiritual and heritage sites like Nartiang and Mawphlang villages are also being promoted under niche tourism categories, positioning Meghalaya as a vibrant destination within India's Northeast tourism circuit.' Landmark initiatives such as the establishment of South Asia's largest cancer care network in Assam reflect the government's commitment to bridging decades of neglect. The recently held Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 further reinforced this vision, securing Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment commitments that promise to unlock the region's economic potential and generate widespread employment. Northeast is undergoing rapid development in connectivity, agriculture, and industry. Operational airports have increased from 9 in 2014 to 19 in 2024. The region is emerging as a hub for organic farming and edible oil production, with 3.3 lakh gatherers and over 19,000 SHGs supported under Van Dhan Vikas Yojana. The bamboo industry has also grown through reclassification and targeted missions. Healthcare and heritage conservation are also priorities. Cultural initiatives include a tribal museum in Manipur and the development of Sivasagar as a heritage site. Sonowal said, 'Meghalaya, backed by a 105% increase in central grants-in-aid, has seen a substantial scale-up in infrastructure & social welfare. Landmark initiatives include the Rs 22,864 crore Greenfield High-Speed Corridor between Mawlyngkhung & Panchgram, set to drastically improve regional connectivity & logistics. Over 540 km of National Highways have been constructed, and urban mobility projects in New Shillong and Tura are being implemented under PM-DevINE."
