Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that Punjab is seeking Rs 1.44 lakh crore from Rajasthan for decades of unpaid water usage. He emphasized that Rajasthan must either pay Punjab’s dues or cease drawing water, calling for a review of the 1920 agreement that governs this issue. CM Mann highlighted that Rajasthan has not paid a single penny for water drawn through the Ferozepur feeder since 1960, despite an agreement to pay on a per-acre basis.
The Chief Minister explained that Rajasthan had stopped payments after the Indus Water Treaty in 1960, even though it continued to draw 18,000 cusecs of water. He pointed out the discrepancy where Rajasthan still benefits from the 1920 agreement for water usage but evades payment by citing the 1960 arrangement. CM Mann raised concerns about past negligence, noting that previous governments failed to pursue Punjab’s rightful claim as mandated by the 1920 agreement that required a review every 25 years.
CM Mann disclosed that Punjab has approached both the Union government and Rajasthan regarding this issue. The Punjab government has formally requested a meeting with Rajasthan to address the unpaid water dues. Asserting a firm stance, the Chief Minister vowed to push for a review of the 1920 agreement to ensure Punjab receives its rightful dues, promising to advocate for Punjab’s interests at all relevant platforms.
