Punjab ministers begin 24/7 water vigil

In a show of solidarity, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand Kataruchak, and Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with AAP MLAs and leaders from various corners, today join the day-and-night vigil at Nangal Dam to express their strong protest against the BJP-ruled Central and State governments and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) over the issue of Punjab's water being given to other states.

Addressing the impressive gathering, Water Resources and Land and Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Haryana would not receive any additional water before May 21. He said that Punjab is already providing 4000 cusecs of water to Haryana beyond its allocated quota as a humanitarian gesture. Despite repeated warnings to use this extra water judiciously, Haryana has not taken heed. “Promptly accepting the demand for water for security forces deployed in Rajasthan, the Punjab government has demonstrated the generosity and values inherent in Punjabi culture and Punjabiyat,” said Goyal.

Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO highlighted the Punjab government's comprehensive plan to provide canal water to farmers' fields, worth Rs 4500 crore, which will free farmers from relying on tubewells and reduce the state's electricity costs. ETO said that the state's farmers are forced to extract groundwater through over 15 lakh tubewells, whereas Punjab's water resources are being utilized by other states, resulting in most blocks going into the dark zone and deteriorating land health.

Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the protests at Nangal Dam and Lohand Khad gates of Kiratpur Sahib will continue, following the footsteps of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said that Punjab has already given more than its due share of water to Haryana and would not give up its share under any circumstances.

Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar highlighted Punjab's contribution to the country's food basket, despite bearing the cost of groundwater extraction. He praised the state's farmers for adopting crop diversification and moving towards horticulture and vegetable cultivation while stressing the importance of canal water in increasing the production of these crops and strengthening the agricultural economy.

The ministers praised the volunteers for their dedication to protecting Punjab's interests and rights. They vow that the day-and-night vigil will continue, emphasizing that safeguarding Punjab's water resources is crucial for the state's economy and future.