The Punjab Rights Resources Dispute escalated on Tuesday as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann warned neighbouring states against efforts to take Punjab’s assets. The Punjab Rights Resources Dispute became sharper after Mann accused Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh of trying to snatch water, power and administrative rights.
Mann said his firm stand during the Northern Zonal Council meeting forced the Union Home Minister to defer all 11 Punjab-related items. He rejected Haryana’s demands on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, mini hydel projects on the Bhakra Main Line and accreditation of Haryana colleges to Panjab University.
He also opposed Rajasthan’s proposal to appoint a full-time member on the Bhakra Beas Management Board. Mann argued that Punjab cannot spare any water and suggested converting the SYL to the Yamuna-Sutlej Link by diverting Yamuna waters to Haryana. He also called for a review of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Mann demanded the return of Chandigarh to Punjab and elections to the Panjab University Senate. He flagged concerns over UT-cadre DANICS officers taking key posts in the Chandigarh Administration.
He said Punjab would not allow “stepmotherly treatment” and urged the Centre to protect the state’s rights, including staffing ratios and control over headworks.
