BBMB Transfer Sparks Political Storm Over Water Release to Haryana
A day after the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana from the Bhakra dam, a key official—Director of Water Regulation at Nangal, Akashdeep Singh—was abruptly transferred. Singh, a Punjab cadre officer, has been replaced by Sanjeev Kumar, an officer from the Haryana cadre.
The move is being seen as a step by BBMB to enforce its decision to release additional water to Haryana—a decision that has been strongly opposed by the Punjab government.
Sources indicate that Akashdeep Singh had been insisting on adherence to the BBMB’s Regulation Manual, which requires an indent from Punjab before water can be released to another state. It is believed his stance may have been influenced by instructions from the Punjab government.
Interestingly, the official transfer order claims the move was made at Singh’s own request. However, Singh has now written to BBMB denying he ever sought a transfer, casting doubt on the official justification for the personnel change.
In response, the Punjab government has begun exploring legal avenues to challenge the decision. The state’s Chief Engineer has also written to BBMB, asserting that Sanjeev Kumar lacks experience in water regulation and has primarily worked in dam safety. Punjab has demanded an immediate reversal of the transfer.
Adding to the controversy, Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced state-wide protests against BBMB’s decision.
Later the same day, as AAP protests gained momentum, BBMB transferred the Board’s Secretary, Surinder Singh Mittal, a Haryana cadre officer. Punjab officials alleged Mittal played a key role in the decision to release extra water to Haryana.
In the wake of these changes, BBMB has assigned Rajasthan engineer Balbir Singh additional responsibilities as both Director (Security) and Secretary of the Board. Meanwhile, Punjab engineer Rajiv Saini has been appointed Officer on Special Duty (Technical) to the BBMB Chairman.
These developments have further deepened the long-standing political and administrative tensions between Punjab and Haryana over water sharing, raising questions about neutrality and decision-making within BBMB.
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