Speaking on the government resolution regarding Punjab’s rights over river waters in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond made it clear that Punjab does not have a single drop of surplus water to spare. He asserted that the state is suffering today due to the flawed policies of previous Congress governments.
He emphasized that Punjab is already grappling with a severe water crisis, with many blocks in the state classified as ‘dark zones’ due to depleting groundwater levels. Highlighting historical references and data, the Minister outlined how Punjab’s water resources have been systematically looted.
He noted that during the 1980s, when Congress was in power both at the Centre and in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan states, the state government failed to defend Punjab’s water rights and instead bowed before the Centre. Sond directly blamed Congress’s policies in the past for the current situation.
He also reminded the House how, during the reorganization of Punjab, the Congress-led Central government betrayed the state by not granting it full control over its own capital. He cited the statement of Justice R.S. Narula, who had clearly said that Punjab’s demands, including that for Chandigarh, were completely justified.
Exposing the double standards of the Congress party, the Minister said that its leaders often say one thing and do another. He pointed out that those who call themselves "paniyan de rakhe" have never actually defended the state’s interests.
Providing data to back his claims, Sond said Punjab currently uses only 24.58% of the total available river waters, while Rajasthan uses 50.09%, Haryana 20.38%, Jammu & Kashmir 3.80%, and Delhi 1.15%. He stressed that even if Punjab were to use 100% of its share, the state would still face water scarcity. Under riparian laws, he said, Punjab has the legitimate right to its waters.
The Minister further stated that the value of 1 cusec of water is approximately Rs 1.25 crore, and if Punjab were compensated for its share of river waters, it would become one of the richest states in the world. He questioned why water is being given away for free, when other natural resources like gold, coal, and oil are not.
He accused the Centre of conspiring against Punjab during the creation of Haryana by manipulating water-sharing arrangements. He said that while other political parties have ruled Punjab for 75 years, none took effective action to safeguard the state’s water rights.
Sond referenced the Shah Commission Report, which also affirmed Punjab’s rights over Bhakra Dam, Nangal Dam, their powerhouses, and canal systems. He noted that to feed the nation, Punjab has exhausted its groundwater, and warned that the current pace of water exploitation will soon push the state into an even deeper crisis.
He concluded by assuring that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government will leave no stone unturned to protect the state’s rightful share of water.