PUNJAB NEWS : In a strong display of unity, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand Kataruchak, and Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with AAP MLAs and leaders from across the state, participated in a continuous day-and-night vigil at Nangal Dam. The protest was aimed at voicing their firm opposition to the BJP-led Central and State governments, as well as the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), over the diversion of Punjab’s water to other states.
Speaking at the gathering, Water Resources and Land and Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal stated that no extra water will be supplied to Haryana before May 21. He noted that Punjab is already sending 4000 cusecs of water beyond Haryana’s allotted quota as a goodwill gesture. Despite repeated appeals, Haryana has failed to use this excess water responsibly. Goyal emphasized that Punjab’s prompt acceptance of water requests for security forces stationed in Rajasthan reflects the state’s generous spirit and cultural values rooted in “Punjabiyat.”
Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO elaborated on the Punjab government’s ₹4,500 crore initiative to supply canal water directly to farmlands. This will reduce dependency on over 15 lakh tubewells, thereby conserving groundwater and lowering electricity consumption. He highlighted that while Punjab’s water is being diverted to other states, its own farmers are forced to deplete groundwater, pushing many regions into the dark zone and harming the soil.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak affirmed that protests at Nangal Dam and Lohand Khad near Kiratpur Sahib would persist, inspired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership. He made it clear that Punjab has already exceeded its water-sharing obligations to Haryana and will not surrender any more of its rightful share.
Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar acknowledged Punjab’s vital role in feeding the nation, while underlining the cost of excessive groundwater extraction. He commended the state’s farmers for shifting towards crop diversification, including horticulture and vegetable farming. He stressed that canal water is essential for boosting crop yields and supporting Punjab’s agriculture-based economy.
All the ministers appreciated the unwavering commitment of volunteers safeguarding Punjab’s water rights. They reiterated that the round-the-clock protest would continue, declaring the protection of the state’s water resources vital for its economic sustainability and future generations.