Congress MLA and Chairman of All India Kissan Congress, Sukhpal Khaira, strongly condemns the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) unilateral decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana, despite vehement objections from the Punjab government and its people. 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.
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.
“As a son of Punjab and a representative of its people, I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our farmers, who depend on every drop of water for their livelihoods,” said Sukhpal Khaira.
“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.”
Khaira calls for immediate action to reverse the BBMB’s decision and demands a transparent investigation into the transfer of Akashdeep Singh and the appointment of an unqualified officer in his place. He also urges 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 added. “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. Sukhpal Singh Khaira reaffirms his unwavering commitment to defending Punjab’s interests and ensuring that the state’s water resources are protected for future generations.