Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has termed the statement made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding water distribution from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as shocking and baseless.

He said Haryana has received only 4000 cusecs of water over the past week, which is roughly 60 per cent of its total demand.

Mr. Saini added that the Punjab Chief Minister is fully aware that the water released from the dam in May is meant for drinking use by Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

He said, when the Aam Aadmi Party was in power in Delhi, it raised no objections over Delhi’s water share. However, now that AAP has lost the Delhi elections, the Punjab Chief Minister is making such statements to punish the people of Delhi, said Nayab Singh Saini.

Mr. Saini also emphasised that it is essential to empty water reservoirs before June to store rainwater during the Monsoon season. If the reservoir is not cleared in time, excess water will flow to Pakistan via Harike-Pattan, which is neither in the interest of Punjab nor the nation.