Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 3 (ANI): Amid the escalating water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana, senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Friday firmly stated that Punjab is in no position to release additional water.

'Punjab does not have even one extra drop of water. We already have less water. The water level has drastically dropped,' Randhawa told the media on Friday. He further emphasised the dire consequences for agriculture in the state, adding, 'Now, only irrigation water will be able to save the crops in Punjab.'

Referring to Punjab's pivotal role during the Green Revolution, Randhawa highlighted the state's historic contribution to national food security. 'When Bhakra Dam was built, the Agriculture University was built too. At that time, when Punjab experienced the green revolution, we made entire India self-reliant,' he said.

Randhawa urged for a similar decision to protect agriculture in Punjab. 'So, a similar decision should come, as to how we have to protect the agriculture in Punjab - it will be possible only when Punjab gets its full share', he added.

The stand-off began when Haryana sought 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra-Nangal project--4,500 cusecs more than it is currently receiving.

Earlier on Thursday, Punjab Education Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harjot Singh Bains led a protest at the Nangal Dam, saying that the state is taking firm steps to safeguard its water resources -- the lifeline of its agrarian economy.

Speaking from the protest site, Bains emphasised the critical condition of Punjab's groundwater, stating that over 90 per cent of the state's blocks have already fallen into the 'dark zone' due to over-extraction.

'We are all present at Nangal dam, and the aim is to save Punjab's water, as it is a lifeline to the state. Punjab is an agrarian state; it is based on agriculture, and if our waters are snatched from us illegally, the state will be over. Already 90 per cent of the state's blocks have fallen into the dark zone,' said Bains.'

CM Bhagwant Maan has done a great job over the last five years by improving irrigation systems. We are protesting here at the Nangal Dam and have taken control of the regulatory room to prevent water from entering Haryana. We are fulfilling our 'dharm' to protect Punjab's rights,' Bains asserted.

He further credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for significant improvements in the state's irrigation infrastructure over the past five years. He said he is expected to join the protest at the dam site shortly.

Earlier on Wednesday, Harjot Singh Bains defended Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's refusal to release more water to Haryana, claiming that the neighbouring state has used its share.

'Our Chief Minister has taken a firm stand on the water issue. Haryana has used its share of water. Punjab is experiencing a massive water crisis. The majority of our blocks are in the dark zone. Punjab is doing tremendous work on irrigation. The BJP wants to derail this work... Haryana is determined to take Punjab's share of water, but no one will give that,' Harjot Bains told ANI.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had earlier termed the statement made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding water distribution as shocking. He said that on April 26, he spoke to the Punjab Chief Minister over the phone and informed him that the Technical Committee of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had decided to release water to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan on April 23. However, he said officers from Punjab were reluctant to implement this decision. (ANI)