Punjab Organizations Stage Protest Against Centre's Bhakra Beas Board Restructuring Plans
In a significant display of dissent, the Misl Satluj organization conducted a demonstration at the main gate of Punjabi University in Patiala on Friday. The protest was directed against the Central government's reported initiative to terminate Punjab's permanent membership within the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Allegations of Constitutional Amendment and State Inclusion
Yadvinder Singh Yadu Alal, who serves as the national president of the outfit's youth wing, leveled serious accusations. He claimed that the Centre is actively preparing to grant permanent membership status to Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. This would be achieved by amending Section 79(2)(A) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966.
Currently, Punjab and Haryana hold permanent positions on the BBMB for power and irrigation matters, respectively. Alal indicated that a bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament to formally include the two additional states as members of the board, fundamentally altering its composition.
Financial Burden and Diminished Status for Punjab
Amarinder Singh, a member of the socio-political body, emphasized the financial implications. He pointed out that Punjab bears approximately 40% of the BBMB's operational expenses. Despite this substantial contribution, the state's standing is allegedly being diminished by the proposed inclusion of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan as new permanent members.
Criticism of AAP Government's Passive Stance
Another member, Husandeep Singh, voiced strong criticism against the incumbent Punjab government led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He characterized the administration as being limited to issuing statements and acting as a mute spectator to these developments.
Husandeep Singh referenced a contentious move from the previous year, noting that on May 5, the Punjab assembly passed resolutions relinquishing the state's rights over river waters in accordance with international riparian laws. He specifically highlighted that the first resolution committed to releasing 4,000 cusecs of water to Haryana but failed to specify the duration for which this arrangement would continue, raising concerns about long-term water security.
Broader Implications for Regional Water Management
The protest underscores deepening tensions over water resource management and inter-state relations in northern India. The Bhakra Beas Management Board plays a crucial role in regulating water and power distribution among the beneficiary states. Any alteration to its membership structure could have far-reaching consequences for agricultural, industrial, and domestic water availability in the region.
The demonstrators in Patiala are demanding that the Centre reconsider its reported plans and uphold Punjab's historical and legal rights within the BBMB framework. The situation remains fluid as political and legal responses continue to evolve.
