The Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has recently announced that it will seek around 1.44 lakh crore rupees from Rajasthan for the use of river water. This demand stems from a historical agreement established in 1920, where Rajasthan was required to pay royalty to Punjab for water usage. According to Mann, Rajasthan paid this royalty until 1960 but has since ceased to do so, leaving Punjab in a difficult position regarding water resource management.

Mann explained that the initial agreement involved multiple parties, including the British government, Bahawalpur (now in Pakistan), and the Maharaja of Bikaner. The ongoing water issue has escalated tensions between the two states as Rajasthan continues to draw water from Punjab, currently utilizing 18,000 cusecs through the Rajastahn feeder. Punjab asserts that either Rajasthan should pay its dues according to the old agreement or cease its water extraction altogether.

The implications of this demand are significant for regional politics and inter-state relations in India. If Rajasthan agrees to pay the back dues, it may set a precedent for similar claims from other states. On the other hand, if Rajasthan refuses or negotiations break down, it could lead to further disputes over water resources, which are already a contentious issue in climate-affected regions. This is not just about water; it touches on historical agreements that date back over a century and could reshape the approach states take toward resource sharing in India.