Punjab Government's Resolution on Additional Water to Haryana

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has ordered the release of an additional 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, a decision opposed by Punjab.

About Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)

1. BBMB was established under Section 79 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
2. Functions of BBMB:
   1. Administers, operates, and maintains the Bhakra-Nangal Project, Beas Project Unit-I (Beas Satluj Link Project), and Beas Project Unit-II (Pong Dam).
   2. Regulates the supply of water and power from the Bhakra Nangal and Beas Projects to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Chandigarh.

Mechanism for Water Regulation

1. Constitutional Framework:
   1. Entry 17 of the State List: Empowers states to handle matters related to water supply, irrigation, canals, and drainage.
   2. Entry 56 of the Union List: Deals with the regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys.
   3. Article 262: Grants Parliament the power to make laws to resolve disputes over inter-state river waters.
2. Parliament Enactments:
   1. River Boards Act, 1956: Allows the Central Government to establish River Boards to advise states on regulating and developing inter-state rivers or valleys.

Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956: Empowers the Central Government to set up a Water Disputes Tribunal if a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiations.