Standing at the forefront to safeguard Punjab’s interests, Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today made a visit to Bhakhra Dam at Nangal consecutively for the fourth day to ensure no excess water release to Haryana.
After assessing the situation, S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that water is crucial for Punjab's economy, which heavily relies on agriculture. He reaffirmed that the Chief Minister, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government, is standing firm on the decision taken regarding water.
"We're closely monitoring the situation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has already visited Nangal Dam and also called a special Punjab Vidhan Sabha session tomorrow (May 5) to address the issue. The Punjab government is steadfast in fighting for farmers' rights, and we won't let the BJP-led Centre and other states violate our rights. Our Aam Aadmi Party workers have been vigilantly guarding Nangal Dam. With paddy sowing season approaching, our farmers need water, and we can't afford to spare any extra water for any other state,” the education minister made it clear.
He also inquired from officials about water release from Nangal Dam while assuring the people of Punjab that their interests are safe.
S. Harjot Singh Bains also highlighted the challenges posed by excess water during heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, which often affects Punjab's villages with the flash flood in Swan Nadi. He questioned why the neighboring states wouldn't accept the excess water during times of need yet expect Punjab to share its water when it's crucial for the state's farmers as the paddy season is approaching.
He informed that the current government's pro-people initiatives have enabled irrigation for an additional 10,000 acres this year. Future plans include a lift irrigation scheme via pipeline to benefit the semi-mountainous Changar region.
Taking stock of the arrangements being made to prevent floods during the rainy seasons, S. Bains said that the state government is vigilantly monitoring water bodies and strengthening weak dams.