Punjab is demanding the repeal of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, fearing it grants the Centre excessive control over state dams. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is drafting replacement legislation. Concerns also extend to sections of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, particularly regarding the Bhakra Beas Management Board, with accusations that these undermine Punjab's water rights.

Amidst a water release dispute with Haryana, the Punjab government justified its deployment of a large police force at the Nangal Dam by citing heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror incident. This explanation was presented to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which is hearing petitions from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and others regarding Punjab's actions.

Ahead of a planned protest against the alleged mistreatment of a farmer leader and missing items from demolished protest sites, Punjab Police have initiated a crackdown, placing several farm leaders under house arrest, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann warned against disruptions to public life, threatening strict legal action against protesters blocking roads or railways.