No representation by Punjab on BBMB water distribution: Centre

The Centre has informed Parliament that it has not received any representation from the Punjab Government regarding any irregularities in the distribution of water by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) or concerns over the May 2 meeting involving the board.

In a written reply to former Union Minister and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik said the Punjab and Haryana High Court had dismissed Punjab’s plea to recall its order directing the release of additional water to Haryana. The order was passed on May 26.

Badal had sought clarity from the government on the steps being taken to ensure compliance with the HC orders and to address Punjab’s concerns. However, the Centre maintained that no formal grievance or objection had been received from the Punjab Government on the matter so far.

Naik clarified that water distribution among BBMB partner states was determined by a technical committee comprising the BBMB Chairman, chief engineers from partner states, and a representative from the Central Water Commission (CWC). “The committee ensures fair and transparent distribution of water, based on availability and state-wise requirements,” the minister stated.

Responding to concerns raised by Badal about possible concealment of facts by the BBMB and the need for transparency, Naik emphasised that the Centre played no direct role in the distribution of water among the partner states of the BBMB.

Notably, the Punjab Government just two days back filed a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking to quash Bhakra Beas Management Board’s actions of allegedly allowing “illegal” water allocation to Haryana beyond its agreed share.

The petition alleged the BBMB allowed Haryana 8,500 cusecs of water daily, without any legal authority or consent from Punjab.

The petition also stated that the BBMB actions were without jurisdiction as it lacked authority to alter interstate water share, which was the exclusive domain of a tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. The petition is yet to come up for hearing.