SRINAGAR: As Punjab’s long-standing discord with Haryana over water distribution from the Bhakra-Nangal system simmers, another contentious chapter is unfolding ; this time between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir over the sharing of river water.
During a media interaction in Jammu after inaugurating Raabita, the Chief Minister’s new public service and outreach office, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah firmly opposed the proposal to construct a 113-kilometre canal. This canal aims to redirect surplus water from J&K to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan in order to curb outflow to Pakistan. However, Abdullah responded sharply to the idea, citing a dire shortage within his own region.
“Jammu is currently reeling under a severe water crisis. Taps have run dry, and there’s barely enough to meet our basic needs. Why should I send our limited supply to Punjab? They already benefit from three rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty. Has Punjab ever shared water with us?” he asked, underscoring the urgent demand within J&K and insisting that available resources would first serve local needs.
He also emphasized the need to expedite long-delayed water infrastructure in the region, including the Tulbul barrage, the Ujh Multipurpose Project, and the recently completed Shahpur Kandi barrage. “For years, we struggled for these projects while others moved ahead. It’s our time to ensure we meet our people’s needs first,” he added.
The remarks triggered a swift backlash in Punjab’s political circles. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that Abdullah had no authority to take a “unilateral” stance. Neel Garg, the party’s spokesperson, argued: “Punjab has always been on the frontline whether in war or in feeding the nation. If water is being saved from flowing to Pakistan, Punjab has a rightful share.”
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring slammed the J&K Chief Minister’s stance on social media platform X, accusing him of politicising a national concern. “It’s unfortunate that CM Omar Abdullah is equating Punjab with Pakistan by resisting the flow of water. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to Pakistan’s hostile conduct. Why is Punjab being denied water meant for India?” he wrote.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Daljit Singh Cheema criticized Abdullah’s comments as an injustice to Punjab. He highlighted the historical grievances surrounding Punjab’s river water, reminding that previous central governments had diverted large shares of Punjab’s water to non-riparian states like Rajasthan. “Our farmers are deeply indebted because they’ve supported India’s food security for decades. Yet, it is Punjab that always pays the highest price,” he said.
