Why Punjab is reviving decades-old disputes over sharing river waters

Punjab is reigniting long-standing disputes over river water sharing as it commemorates 60 years since its reorganization. On October 27, the state's assembly passed five resolutions demanding an equitable share in Yamuna waters, Rs 1.44 lakh crore in royalties from Rajasthan for using Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas waters, control over key headworks, repeal of the Dam Safety Act of 2021, and projects to utilize Ravi waters flowing towards Pakistan.

These demands come after assurances were made to protesting farmers earlier in September. The dispute stems from the division of Ravi-Beas waters when undivided Punjab was reorganized, a complexity deepened by the creation of Haryana in 1966. The original allocation of surplus Ravi-Beas waters in 1955 favored Rajasthan, with Punjab receiving only 7.2 MAF (million acre-feet) out of the estimated 15.85 MAF.

Despite the Indus Waters Treaty, Punjab's share remained unchanged, despite its larger basin area. The 1981 agreement, followed by the Eradi Tribunal's report in 1987, further exacerbated tensions. Now, Punjab seeks to repeal provisions that govern water sharing, potentially challenging the existing agreements in court.