Chandigarh, May 1 -- In a high-stakes meeting on Wednesday with partner states - Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) directed Punjab to immediately release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana - a decision made despite strong opposition from Punjab.

The BBMB, which regulates water distribution from the Bhakra, Pong and Ranjit Sagar Dams, insisted that the supply to Haryana was "unavoidable", triggering sharp resistance from Punjab's irrigation department. Punjab officials contended that the state lacks surplus water, citing peak summer demand and the ongoing rabi sowing season.

"Since November, we have been saying that Haryana has not conserved its share of water, but it failed to catch the attention of BB...