Punjab Police Takes Control of Bhakra Dam

Punjab : In a recent development, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has accused the Punjab Police of taking control of the Bhakra Dam, a move that has escalated tensions between Punjab and Haryana. The issue is centered around water distribution, with both states involved in an ongoing dispute over the sharing of water from the Bhakra Dam. This incident has further fueled the political tensions, especially after the Punjab Assembly passed six proposals in a special session on the matter.

The Punjab Assembly’s decision to pass these proposals has stirred controversy, as they have been viewed by many as a direct challenge to the authority of the Bhakra Beas Management Board. The board, which oversees the operation of the dam, expressed concerns over the actions of the Punjab Police, alleging that they had unlawfully taken control of the dam’s operations. This move has raised alarms about the potential for further conflict over water distribution, a matter that has long been a contentious issue between the two states.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, speaking in the assembly, defended the state’s stance on water rights. He stated that the passing of these resolutions was necessary to protect Punjab’s water interests. However, this position has been met with strong opposition from Haryana. The Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, has labeled Punjab’s actions as unconstitutional and illegal. He emphasized that Punjab has no right to withhold water and demanded the immediate release of water to Haryana as per the existing agreements.

The political leaders from both states have been locked in a war of words, with each side accusing the other of not respecting the water-sharing agreements that have been in place for decades. Haryana’s demand for unconditional water release from the Bhakra Dam has been rejected by Punjab, citing concerns about their own water scarcity.

This dispute is set to escalate unless a resolution is reached through dialogue and mutual understanding. Both states have called for intervention from the central government to ensure fair distribution of water resources. The ongoing conflict over water distribution highlights the critical need for interstate cooperation and adherence to legal agreements to avoid further damage to the region’s stability.