Chandigarh: The Punjab government has taken a firm stand before the Ravi Beas Water Tribunal. It is led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The Punjab Tells Tribunal No Extra Water to share.
Punjab made this statement during the tribunal’s visit. The members reviewed the ground situation in the state.
Tribunal Inspects Key Water Projects
The tribunal is headed by retired Justice Vineet Saran. The team inspected major sites in Punjab. These included Harike Headworks, Rajasthan Feeder, and Ferozepur Feeder.
The members checked canal flow and water distribution. They also studied the overall irrigation system.
Punjab’s Water Resources Department submitted a detailed report. Principal Secretary Krishan Kumar presented the report.
Punjab Highlights Severe Water Crisis
Punjab said it needs about 52 MAF of water. This is for agriculture and other needs.
However, the state gets only 15.14 MAF. Officials called this highly inadequate.
They also said river water levels have fallen sharply. Glacier melt has affected flow over time. So, old water-sharing rules need revision.
Farmers Face Groundwater Pressure
Officials highlighted a serious problem in Ferozepur. Nearly 2.25 lakh acres depend on groundwater.
Farmers use tube wells for irrigation. This increases their cost.
It also puts pressure on groundwater levels. Officials warned of long-term damage.
Pollution From Across Border
Punjab also raised an environmental concern. It pointed to polluted water entering from Pakistan.
Officials said toxic waste flows from Kasur tanneries. It enters the Sutlej River.
This pollution affects farms in border areas. It also harms soil and water quality.
CM Meets Tribunal Members
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also met tribunal members. The meeting took place in Amritsar.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal joined him. The meeting was informal.
The Chief Minister explained Punjab’s water crisis. He also shared concerns about falling groundwater levels.
Demand for New Water Review
The Chief Minister said Punjab is restoring canals. The government is working on water systems.
However, he said more river water is needed. Without it, agriculture will suffer.
Punjab Tells Tribunal No Extra Water has demanded a fresh review of water sharing. It wants rules based on current conditions.
5 Key Points of the Punjab Tells Tribunal No Extra Water:
- Punjab government presented a strong stance before the Ravi Beas Water Tribunal.
- The state said it has no surplus water to share with Haryana and Rajasthan.
- Officials highlighted severe water shortage and declining river water levels in Punjab.
- Tribunal inspected key canal systems including Harike Headworks and feeder canals.
- Punjab demanded a fresh review of old water-sharing agreements due to current conditions.
