Following its deepening conflict with Haryana, Punjab is now in disagreement with Jammu and Kashmir regarding the controversial diversion of water from the Indus system's western rivers.
The most recent flashpoint revolves around a planned 113-kilometre canal intended to divert excess water from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan — a project meant to avoid excess flow into Pakistan.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mr Abdullah, has been a vociferous opponent of the notion, appealing to his own state's pressing water deficits. When asked on Friday regarding the canal scheme, he stated, "There is a shortage of water in Jammu at present. There is no water in the taps. Why should I supply water to Punjab? Punjab has three rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty already."
Mr Abdullah also alluded to the decades-old dispute over the Shahpur Kandi barrage, a scheme in Pathankot, which has been a point of contention between the two regions for a long time. "We got some water after fighting through the Shahpur Kandi barrage project, but now I will not let the water of Jammu and Kashmir be diverted to Punjab," he declared.
Punjab Pushes Back
In response to Abdullah's comments, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria warned against further intensifying the conflict, focusing on a time of unity rather than separation. "I don't think the water supply can be cut just because someone is stating it. If this conflict had been between two nations, it would be alright. I can realize. But it is impossible in the same nation.". Certain individuals are provided with more share of water than the others in the same nation, I do not believe it is in our culture," he said.
At the same time, Punjab's Minister Ravneet Bittu also rebutted Abdullah's position, stating that such a decision rested with the central government. He wondered how a state-level government could stop a project cleared at the national level.
Punjab-Haryana Feud Still Simmering
This new confrontation follows on the heels of Punjab's current water-sharing dispute with its neighbour Haryana. The AAP government in Punjab has charged BJP-ruled Haryana with going beyond its assigned water quota, alleging that 103% of Haryana's share was consumed by March.
The confrontation grew recent when Punjab cut back the water supply from the Bhakra Nangal Dam, denying Haryana's request for 8,500 cusecs of water. Instead, the government of Punjab has cut Haryana's daily quota to a mere 4,000 cusecs — a steep reduction from the earlier 9,500.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann justified the decision, citing his state's worsening water shortage. Mann said Punjab started its annual water accounting on May 21 and asserted Haryana had already consumed its portion in the current cycle. The reservoir levels have dipped considerably — with the Ranjit Sagar Dam going down by 39 feet from last year, and the Pong Dam 24 feet below.
"We don't have a single extra drop to spare," Mann declared, highlighting the extreme situation in his state.
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