Water issue thrust on Punjab amid war against drugs, border tension: CM

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said the river water sharing issue had been “thrust on the border state” by Haryana at a time when Punjab was fighting against drugs and facing security challenge in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

“Apart from the fight against drugs and tensions on the border (with Pakistan), a third battle for water has been thrust on us by Haryana. They say give us water. How can we do that, when we don’t have water to spare?” the CM said.

Addressing people during an anti-drug rally here, Mann said the water issue came up at a time when the state was preparing for the transplantation of water-intensive paddy from June 1.

“Still, the state is not being allowed to have its share of river water. This may have gone unchecked during previous governments, but won’t be allowed now,” the Chief Minister added.

Trying to strike a chord with those present on the occasion, Mann said the state could not be forced to share additional water with neighbouring states as the issue is of paramount importance for the people of Punjab. “It may have worked earlier, but it won’t work now,” he added.

The CM said Punjab contributed a large share to the country’s food security by growing rice, wheat, mustard, maize, potatoes and pulses.

“But they don’t want us to have our (rightful share of ) water. Punjab has always faced discrimination. Previous regimes have left us with huge debt, but we are committed to people. We know the price of water and blood,” he added.

‘Big fish in drug cases to face bulldozer action’

Speaking on the drug menace, the CM said the demolition of illegal buildings of drug peddlers and smugglers would be intensified, as similar action would be taken against the big fish. “Wait for 5-7 days, you will see huge palaces being demolished. We are going to act against bigwigs, whom the entire Punjab knows. We are greasing our bulldozers,” he added.