LUDHIANA: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that the verdict of Punjab and Haryana High Court on the ongoing issue of release of water by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to Haryana is a moral victory for the state.
Addressing the gathering here today, the Chief Minister said that the court has sought reply from all the stakeholders on May 20. He said that Haryana that has already exhausted its share of water for the current year will be eligible for its share of water by May 21. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a huge win for the state as we have been able to defend our share of water despite all the might applied by centre, Haryana and BBMB.
The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjab doesn’t have even a single drop of water to share with the other states and his government has saved the water of the state which was being stolen by Haryana. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state has no spare water to share with any other state adding that even a single drop of water will not be given to anyone. He said that as most of the river resources of the state have dried up, it needs more water to cater to its irrigation needs.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has fought the battle both politically and legally adding that finally it is a triumph of truth. He said that the Union government, Haryana and BBMB forgot one thing that if the state is capable of protecting the borders of the country, it can save the waters of Punjab too. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state is committed to safeguarding the interests of the state and no stone will be left unturned for it.