Punjab Assembly Unanimously Passes Five Resolutions on River Water Rights

The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed five resolutions asserting the state’s rights over river waters following a debate in the House. Two additional resolutions were also passed, one moved by Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains seeking the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor and another moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to continue public welfare schemes.

The five resolutions related to river waters were presented by Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal.

The first resolution asserted Punjab’s historical and legal rights over the waters of the Yamuna River.

The second challenged Section 79(1) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, under which control of the Ropar, Harike and Ferozepur irrigation headworks was given to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

The third resolution reaffirmed the Assembly’s decision of May 5, 2025, to repeal the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

The fourth resolution demanded royalty from Rajasthan in return for the water supplied from the Sutlej, Ravi and Beas rivers.

The fifth resolution also dealt with the issue of Ravi River water.