Khaira slams BBMB for allocating more water to Haryana

Congress MLA and Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, Sukhpal Khaira, has strongly condemned the unilateral decision of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana, despite vehement objections from the Punjab government and its people. The move is a direct assault on Punjab’s water rights and threatens the state’s agricultural lifeline, especially with the upcoming paddy sowing season, he said.

Punjab is facing a critical water shortage, with water levels in the Bhakra, Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams significantly lower than last year. Haryana, having already utilised 104 per cent of its allocated water share for the current season, is now being favoured by the BBMB’s decision, which was made on so-called “humanitarian grounds”, Khaira said.

Adding to the controversy, the transfer of Punjab cadre officer Akashdeep Singh, Director of Water Regulation, and his replacement with Haryana cadre officer Sanjeev Kumar, raises serious questions about the impartiality of the BBMB. Khaira called for immediate action to reverse the BBMB’s decision.