Breaking: BBMB meeting concludes; Chairman to coordinate with Punjab Govt
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, May 3, 2025 – The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) meeting held in Chandigarh concluded on Saturday, but notably without the participation of the Punjab government, which termed the meeting "unconstitutional and illegal."
According to the Punjab government, BBMB violated Regulation 7 of the 1976 BBMB Rules, which mandates a seven-day notice before scheduling any such meeting. The Punjab government had formally written to the BBMB ahead of the meeting, urging that it be postponed, citing procedural irregularities.
“Until BBMB follows due process, we will not participate in its meetings,” the state government stated.
Despite Punjab's absence, BBMB proceeded with the meeting. It was decided that the BBMB Chairman will coordinate with the Punjab government on critical issues. One such issue is the deployment of police at the Nangal Dam. The Chairman will initiate talks with Punjab for the withdrawal of police forces. Only after that will discussions on water release be undertaken.
BBMB also assured that if Punjab requires water in the future, the board will make necessary arrangements to ensure supply.