Cong MLA Sukhpal Khaira calls BBMB decision 'broad daylight robbery of Punjab’s resources'

JALANDHAR: Strongly condemning the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)'s "unilateral" decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana, despite vehement objections from the Punjab govt and its people, Congress MLA and All India Kisan Congress chairman Sukhpal Singh Khaira has said that this move is a direct assault on Punjab’s water rights and threatens the state’s agricultural lifeline, especially with the upcoming paddy sowing season.
"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 utilized 104% of its allocated water share for the current accounting season, is now being favored by the BBMB's decision, which was made on so-called humanitarian grounds. This is nothing short of a robbery of Punjab’s rightful share, orchestrated under political pressure from the BJP-led Central government and Haryana," 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. Reports that Singh’s transfer was falsely attributed to his own request, which he has publicly denied, further expose the manipulative tactics at play. Punjab’s concerns are compounded by the fact that Sanjeev Kumar lacks experience in water regulation, as highlighted by Punjab’s Chief Engineer," he said.
“This decision by the BBMB is not just a bureaucratic overreach but a deliberate attempt to undermine Punjab’s interests. We will not allow our state to be deprived of its rightful share, especially when our fields are parched and our farmers are struggling,” said the Congress MLA.
Khaira also called for immediate action to reverse the BBMB’s decision and demanded a transparent investigation into the transfer of Akashdeep Singh and the appointment of "an unqualified" officer in his place. He also urged the Punjab government to pursue all legal avenues to protect the state’s water rights and ensure that Punjab’s voice is heard in all future BBMB decisions.
“The BJP and Haryana cannot be allowed to arm-twist Punjab into submission. Our water is our lifeblood, and we will fight tooth and nail to protect it,” Khaira said, adding, “I appeal to all Punjabis to unite against this injustice and join the statewide protests led by our farmers and leaders to safeguard our rights.”
The people of Punjab deserve fairness, transparency, and justice, he added.