DW BUREAU / Chandigarh/ Nangal

Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains and Deputy Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, on Friday evening, visited Nangal Dam to ensure that Punjab's water won't go to Haryana. They also met the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers, safeguarding the dam around the clock, besides taking updates from officials on the current situation. Notably, Harjot Bains visited the dam for the 2nd day in row.

While addressing the media, S. Harjot Singh Bains asserted that Punjab Government won't share a single drop of Punjab's water with Haryana or any other state. He accused the BJP-led Centre of plotting against Punjab's economy and praised the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's strong stance against BBMB's move to loot waters of Punjab. The all-party meeting and special Assembly session demonstrate the state government's commitment to safeguarding Punjab's interests, he added.

The Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, AAP workers are safeguarding Punjab's interests like soldiers. He further informed that the officials posted at BBMB's Nangal Dam and Nakkian, have been instructed to prevent any excess water from being released to any other states.

S. Bains criticised the Centre's decision to allocate 8,500 cusecs of extra water to Haryana, saying it was a blatant betrayal with Punjab.

"Water is our lifeline, and we'll fiercely protect it. Despite Bhakra Dam being in our region and canals originating from here, our villages lack access to water. With paddy season approaching, sharing our water with other states is unthinkable", S. Bains said while emphasising Punjab's reliance on agriculture and the crucial role of water in sustaining crops amid depleting groundwater levels. The Centre has consistently discriminated against Punjab, and now BJP-ruled states are following the suit.

Harjot Singh Bains pointed out the irony that when Punjab had surplus water during the monsoon season, Haryana and Rajasthan refused to take it. Now, with paddy sowing season approaching, Punjab can't afford to spare water for other states. He highlighted the state's efforts to ensure water supply for irrigation, including the Sarthar scheme for villages in Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency and pipeline projects for semi-mountainous areas, benefiting around 10,000 villages.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri asserted that Punjabis, having made significant sacrifices for the country, will now stand firm in fighting for their rights. He emphasised that not a single drop of Punjab's water will be allowed to be diverted outside the state.

(editor@dailyworld.in)