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Punjab seeks Yamuna water share ahead of 1994 treaty renegotiation
Punjab has asked for a share of Yamuna water ahead of renegotiating the 1994 MoU, arguing it is a successor state like Haryana. Delhi says its quota must not be reduced, citing existing allocations and concerns over seepage and leakage reducing supply.
Why It Matters
The request could influence the renegotiation of interstate water sharing in the Yamuna basin, affecting multiple states and water security in Delhi and Punjab.
Timeline
5 Events
May 13, 2026: Article reports Punjab’s demand and Delhi’s response
May 13, 2026
HT reported the Punjab demand and Delhi’s position; Punjab did not provide a comment by print time.
May 2026: Punjab presses for Yamuna water share at northern zonal council meeting
May 2026
At a high-level meeting of officials of the northern zonal council states held at Kartavya Bhavan, Punjab argued that it should receive a Yamuna water share as a successor state similar to Haryana, ahead of renegotiation of the 1994 MoU. Delhi maintained that its water quota must not be reduced, noting that it currently receives around 225 cusecs less due to seepage and leakages; the MoU allocates 1,149 cusecs via Munak canal, but only 924 cusecs are received at Bawana.
May 12, 1994: MoU signed for Yamuna water allocations
May 12, 1994
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Yamuna riparian states on May 12, 1994 laid out the water allocations and is slated to come up for renegotiation after 30 years.
1972: Irrigation Commission recognises Punjab as part of Yamuna basin
1972
The 1972 Irrigation Commission recognised Punjab as part of the Yamuna basin, reinforcing Punjab's stake in Yamuna water resources.
1954: Undivided Punjab-Uttar Pradesh agreement on Yamuna waters
1954
An agreement signed in 1954 between undivided Punjab and Uttar Pradesh entitled Punjab to two-thirds of the Yamuna’s waters, establishing an early basis for Punjab's claim to Yamuna water.