Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said the state will not provide even a single extra drop of water to Haryana and has communicated the same through a fresh letter.
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Mann said the water-sharing agreement between Punjab and Haryana is reviewed on May 21 each year, and a decision will be taken again on that date.
He claimed that Haryana has so far used only 70–75% of its allocated share and expressed hope that it would manage within its quota.
The Chief Minister also accused the Centre of discriminating against Punjab, alleging that funds under various heads, including RDF, GST and NHM, have been withheld, along with cuts in disaster management funds.
Mann said the state government is prepared to approach the Supreme Court, if needed, to safeguard Punjab’s rights and ensure that its due share is not compromised.
Targeting the Himachal Pradesh government, he said the rollback of the recent tax decision was a welcome step but criticised the Congress for remaining silent on “anti-people” decisions taken in the neighbouring state.
He added that if Himachal Pradesh considers reimposing taxes, Punjab may also review similar measures in response.
