Punjab Government to Pursue Legal Action Against Rajasthan in Water Royalty Row
In a significant escalation of a long-standing water dispute, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared on Friday that his government will take the matter of Rs 1.44 lakh crore in unpaid water royalties to court. This decision comes after the Rajasthan government dismissed Punjab's demand as "unconstitutional," setting the stage for a legal battle over decades of water usage from key rivers.
Rajasthan's Rejection and Punjab's Response
Rajasthan's Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat firmly rejected Punjab's claim, arguing that historical agreements do not support any royalty payments. He cited post-Independence pacts from 1955, 1959, and 1981 governing the use and distribution of water from the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, which lack provisions for additional charges. Rawat emphasized that under the original 1920s agreement involving the state of Bikaner, erstwhile Punjab, and the British, payments were made on a per-acre basis to the British government, not to Punjab.
Chief Minister Mann dismissed this rejection, comparing Rajasthan's stance to that of a thief caught in the act. He stated, "We will fight our case in court, and they are welcome to present their arguments." Mann highlighted that initial opposition was expected, but he remains determined to pursue what he calls Punjab's rightful dues.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy stems from a demand announced by Mann on Wednesday, where he claimed Rajasthan owes Rs 1.44 lakh crore for water drawn through the Ferozepur Feeder since 1960. Mann asserted that not a single penny has been paid over these decades, and he called for either the release of dues or a halt to water extraction. He also urged a review of the historic 1920 agreement, pointing out a contradiction in Rajasthan's position: "Even today, Rajasthan continues to draw water under the 1920 agreement, but when it comes to paying dues, it takes shelter under the 1960 arrangement."
Implications and Next Steps
This dispute underscores ongoing tensions between Indian states over water resources, a critical issue given the country's agricultural and economic dependencies. The legal proceedings could set a precedent for similar inter-state water royalty claims across India. As both sides prepare their arguments, the case is poised to delve into complex historical treaties and modern water management policies.
With Punjab pushing for accountability and Rajasthan standing firm on constitutional grounds, the outcome of this court battle will be closely watched by policymakers, environmentalists, and communities reliant on these vital river systems.
