Haryana reports decline in supply from Bhakra

Haryana has reported a sharp decline in the release of water from the Bhakra dam system. The state irrigation department has shot off communique to the Punjab authorities and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), citing an "alarming reduction" in water supply.

Haryana has reported a sharp decline in the release of water from the Bhakra dam system. The state irrigation department has shot off communique to the Punjab authorities and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), citing an "alarming reduction" in water supply.

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"The discharge position at the Haryana contact point (HCP) is not improving despite assurances. On June 20, the discharge was further reduced to 9,295 cusecs against the decided share of 10,545 cusecs, which is alarming. It has deepened the water crisis in Haryana as we are supplying over 1,100 cusecs water from Yamuna in addition to 496 cusecs through the Narwana branch to the national capital," said a Haryana communication to chief engineer (canals), Punjab, and BBMB member.

Haryana officials said that supply from the Bhakra and Ravi-Beas through the Bhakra main line(BML) and Narwana branch were comfortable till June 10 when they were getting about 10,000 cusecs at HCP. "The supply has, however, dropped to 9,458 cusecs at HCP on June 14. The matter was taken up with Punjab and BBMB authorities. Punjab officials say they are supplying less water as they are getting less supply from the BBMB. The matter was also taken up with the BBMB membe(irrigation) and director, water regulation, Nangal," an irrigation official said.

The state government has sought restoration of a minimum of 10,000 cusecs at HCPs.