- By Deeksha Gour
- Sun, 11 May 2025 02:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Punjab News: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visits Nangal amid rising tensions over water release from the Nangal Dam. The state government has accused the BJP-led Centre of trying to take control of Punjab’s water supply without proper consent.
Bhagwant Mann warned the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) against repeated attempts to release surplus water to Haryana without Punjab’s consent. He said if such actions continue, the state government will be compelled to take strict steps. Mann also mentioned the urgent need to restructure the BBMB, adding that the Punjab government is fully prepared to initiate this process.
Officials from the BBMB, reportedly acting on directions from the central government, arrived at the dam to release water. Their attempt was blocked by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers who staged a protest at the site. Executive Ashok Kumar from the Nangal Dam Division, along with other officials, was among those who tried to carry out the water release operation.
As the situation escalated, AAP members gathered at Gate No. 8 of the dam, successfully preventing the release. The protest intensified with Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains joining in and leading the agitation. The protesters also started a sit-in protest right outside the gate.
Punjab: Traffic Diverted
Traffic around the dam area was affected due to the protest. The road that passes over the dam and connects to the city was closed. Vehicles were diverted via the flyover to manage the disruption.
The AAP claims this is not the first time the Centre has attempted to take Punjab’s water forcefully. They allege that the BBMB's recent visit was yet another effort to interfere with the state’s rights over its resources.
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Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Punjab government has agreed to release additional water from its quota to Rajasthan for national defence purposes. This decision was taken after the Rajasthan government requested extra supply for military operations at the border.
Chief Minister Mann approved the request and said Punjab has always placed national interests above everything else. “Punjab is ready to provide not just water but even shed blood for the country if needed,” he said in a statement.
Mann stated that the state never hesitates when it comes to matters of national importance and remains committed to supporting the country in any situation.