Water Supply From BSL Halted in Haryana: Government Seeks Answers From BBMB

Haryana has not been receiving a continuous water supply from the Beas-Sutlej Link (BSL) since March 4, 2026. In this regard, the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department has written a letter to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), seeking an explanation for the situation and demanding the immediate release of water. According to the department, gauge readings have consistently registered zero since March 4, making it evident that Haryana has received no water through the BSL during this period.

The letter states that due to the complete cessation of water flow from the BSL system, Haryana is receiving less than its allocated share of water. The state's water supply relies heavily on the Beas and Sutlej rivers; consequently, a reduction in water availability could have a direct impact on the state's requirements as well as the supply to Delhi-NCR.

**A Grave Situation May Arise**

The department has also noted that, in the absence of any contribution from the SYL canal, Haryana is currently able to draw only 1.62 MAF of water through the existing system. Under these circumstances, any further reduction in water supply could precipitate a grave situation for the state. Finally, the BBMB has been urged to immediately release Haryana's stipulated share of water and to ensure that the water supply via the BSL (Sundernagar) is not allowed to drop to zero levels.

**Supply Halted Since March 4**

The letter explicitly states that the water supply from the BSL to Haryana has been suspended since March 4, 2026. Gauge readings have consistently been recorded at zero. The Irrigation Department has sought a clarification from the BBMB regarding this matter. Apprehensions have been raised that the state is receiving less than its rightful share of water. Indeed, Haryana is heavily dependent on the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers. Furthermore, the state's capacity is already limited due to the non-completion of the SYL canal. A shortage of water could also adversely affect the supply to Delhi-NCR.

**BBMB's Rationale**

Meanwhile, according to sources, the reason behind the reduced water flow through the BSL lies in technical glitches at the Dehar Power House—a critical component of the diversion system. At the Dehar Project, only two of the six turbines are currently operational, which has significantly restricted the transfer of water from the   Beas basin to the Sutlej.

The BBMB has attributed this issue to aging infrastructure, stating that the Dehar Power House—which is over four decades old—requires immediate repairs.

**BBMB Has Written to the CEA**

Officials stated that the BBMB has already approached the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to provide consultancy services for the renovation and modernization of the turbines. The repair and restoration process is expected to be time-consuming, during which the capacity to divert water flow may remain limited.