Bhakra to cut water supply to Punjab, HP, Rajasthan, Haryana

In the wake of delayed monsoon, the Bhakra Beas Management Board today decided to cut the supply of water for irrigation to Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan by 6000 cusecs till July 10.

In the wake of delayed monsoon, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Thursday decided to cut the supply of water for irrigation to Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan by 6000 cusecs till July 10.

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After holding a crucial meeting with representatives of all these states, BBMB has decided to supply 22,000 cusecs
against the current supply of 28,000 cusecs, a move that would help raise the water level in Bhakra reservoir which has been fast depleting due to lack of rains.

"The states of Punjab, HP, Haryana and Rajasthan have agreed to our decision (of supplying 22,000 cusecs) and this
decision will remain enforced till July 10," BBMB, Chairman, UC Misra told reporters here today after the meeting.

"States were demanding 28,000 cusecs of water in view of the paddy sowing season but when we pointed out the grim
situation they all agreed to receive 22,000 cusecs of water supply," he said.

However, in case there are no rains till July 10, the release of water would be further curtailed.

"We want that water level in Bhakra reservoir should rise as June to September are a filling period for us and we
want to store maximum level of water in this period," he said.