The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) water dispute between Punjab and Haryana has intensified in recent weeks, highlighting longstanding tensions over water sharing in northern India. The conflict escalated when Haryana requested an additional 8,500 cusecs of water from the BBMB, citing severe drinking water shortages in its western districts. The BBMB approved this request, with member states Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi voting in favor, Himachal Pradesh abstaining, and Punjab opposing the decision. Despite the BBMB’s approval, Punjab refused to release the additional water, arguing that Haryana had already consumed its allocated share for the current quarter and that the emergency cited by Haryana no longer existed.
The situation further deteriorated when Punjab deployed police forces at the Nangal Dam, effectively taking control of its operations to prevent the release of additional water to Haryana. The BBMB filed a plea in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging that Punjab’s actions were unconstitutional and interfered with the board’s statutory functions. On May 7, 2025, the High Court ruled that the Punjab government and its functionaries, including the police, are restrained from interfering in the day-to-day functioning of the Bhakra Nangal Dam and related operations managed by the BBMB. However, the court allowed Punjab to extend security to the dam and BBMB personnel as per the law.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the BBMB’s decision to release additional water to Haryana, alleging that it was done without Punjab’s consent and under the influence of the BJP-led central government. He emphasized that Punjab does not have surplus water and cannot afford to release more when several of its villages are suffering from shortages in irrigation and drinking water.
The BBMB water dispute underscores the complexities of inter-state water sharing in India, especially in regions where water resources are scarce and heavily contested. The legal interventions and political standoffs highlight the need for clear, equitable, and enforceable water-sharing agreements that consider the needs and rights of all stakeholders. As the situation develops, the resolution of this dispute will likely set precedents for how similar conflicts are managed in the future, emphasizing the importance of cooperative federalism and the rule of law in addressing interstate resource disputes.
The BBMB was established under Section 79(1) of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, to manage the Bhakra Nangal and Beas projects. Its primary responsibilities include the administration, maintenance, and operation of these projects, ensuring equitable distribution of water and power among the partner states.
As per the Act, the BBMB comprises:
Chairman: A full-time position appointed by the Central Government.
Two Whole-Time Members: Also appointed by the Central Government.
State Representatives: One representative each from the governments of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and the Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh, nominated by their respective governments.
Central Government Representatives: Two individuals nominated by the Central Government.
This structure ensures representation from all stakeholder states and the central authority, facilitating collaborative management of the Bhakra and Beas projects.
Historically, there has been a convention where the positions of Member (Power) and Member (Irrigation) were filled by officers from Punjab and Haryana, respectively. However, this practice was based on mutual understanding rather than a statutory mandate. In February 2022, the Union Ministry of Power amended the BBMB rules, removing the requirement to consult partner states for these appointments. This change has been a point of contention, especially for Punjab, which views it as a dilution of its role in BBMB’s functioning.
The BBMB operates as an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. While the Board is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the Bhakra and Beas projects, major policy decisions, especially those involving inter-state water sharing, are made collectively by the Board members. In situations where consensus is not achieved, the matter may be escalated to the Central Government for resolution.
The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti serves as the supervisory authority for the BBMB. It oversees the implementation of policies, ensures compliance with interstate agreements, and addresses disputes that arise among the partner states. The Ministry’s role is crucial in maintaining the balance between state interests and national priorities in water resource management.
Punjab has expressed significant concerns over the recent changes in BBMB’s appointment procedures and water distribution decisions. The state argues that unilateral decisions by the Central Government undermine the federal structure and its rightful stake in the management of shared water resources. Recent incidents, such as the release of additional water to Haryana without Punjab’s consent, have intensified these concerns. Punjab contends that such actions disregard the state’s water needs and the principles of equitable distribution. The BBMB plays a pivotal role in managing the water resources of the northern Indian states. Ensuring transparency, equitable representation, and collaborative decision-making is essential for the Board’s effective functioning. Addressing the concerns of all stakeholder states, especially Punjab, is crucial to maintain trust and cooperation in the management of these vital water resources.