Non-BJP Chief Ministers Push for More Central Water Funds in PM-Led Meeting

During a recent NITI Aayog Governing Council session chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Ministers from non-BJP-ruled states raised significant concerns regarding water resource management. They pressed the central government for enhanced financial assistance to tackle mounting water-related issues.

Punjab’s Perspective on Water Allocation

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann voiced criticism against the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), accusing it of partiality in distributing water, particularly favoring Haryana. He called for the board’s restructuring, citing mismanagement of finances. Mann also advocated for the completion of the Yamuna-Sutlej Link (YSL) canal to boost Punjab’s water availability. Additionally, he objected to the Centre’s move to deploy 296 CISF personnel at the Nangal Dam, asserting that the ₹8.58 crore expense was unjustified since the state already provides security through its own police forces.

Karnataka’s Request for Project Approvals

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held discussions with Prime Minister Modi to urge swift approval for three stalled water projects: the Mekedatu balancing reservoir, the Upper Bhadra project, and the Kalasa-Banduri nala scheme. He underscored the significance of these initiatives in supplying drinking water to Bengaluru and irrigating central regions of the state. Siddaramaiah also pointed out delays in disbursing ₹5,300 crore, previously allocated in the Union Budget for the Upper Bhadra project, and appealed for its prompt release.

Himachal Pradesh’s Focus on Hydropower and Healthcare

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh appealed to the Centre for assistance in strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure and moving forward with key hydropower projects. He proposed that the financial responsibilities for the Kishau hydroelectric project be shared by the Centre or the benefiting states—namely Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Sukhu also addressed concerns regarding the Renuka Dam, including fair compensation for affected people and environmental safeguards. He pressed for the timely release of funds from the Jal Jeevan Mission as well.

Odisha’s Concern Over the Mahanadi River Dispute

In anticipation of the upcoming PRAGATI meeting, Odisha-based political parties and civic organizations called on the Prime Minister to mediate in the ongoing water-sharing dispute with Chhattisgarh over the Mahanadi River. They alleged that the construction of upstream dams in Chhattisgarh was leading to diminished river flow into Odisha during summer months, severely affecting irrigation, industry, and the drinking water needs of nearly 25 million people. The stakeholders stressed the declining water levels at the Hirakud reservoir and demanded immediate intervention.

Tamil Nadu’s Call for Fiscal Equity

Tamil Nadu emphasized the need for a fairer allocation of central tax revenue, proposing that states receive 50% of the total share. The state government argued that a more balanced tax distribution would empower states to better manage water infrastructure and bridge regional imbalances more effectively.

Final Thoughts

The unified demands of non-BJP Chief Ministers during the NITI Aayog session highlighted a growing urgency for the Centre to prioritize water management and ensure fair allocation of resources. With water disputes intensifying and climate-related stress increasing across India, stronger coordination between the central and state governments is crucial for long-term sustainability and regional stability