Victory for Public's Right to Know: Bhakra and Pong Dam data made public again
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), June 22, 2026: In a development being welcomed by transparency advocates and citizens alike, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has resumed publishing water-related data of the Bhakra and Pong dams on its official website, a move being viewed as a significant victory for the public's right to information.
The restoration of the data comes after concerns were repeatedly raised over the lack of public access to crucial information related to water levels, inflows and outflows from the dams. Observers say such information plays a vital role in flood preparedness and disaster management across Punjab and neighbouring states.
According to those associated with the issue, the data was no longer made publicly available after the devastating floods of 2023, when questions were raised about dam management and the handling of water releases.
Similar concerns resurfaced during the 2025 flood season, when key information regarding dam operations was reportedly unavailable to the public and media.
Experts have long argued that timely access to dam data enables citizens, local administrations, disaster management agencies and journalists to assess potential flood risks and take precautionary measures. Greater transparency, they say, can help reduce loss of life and property during extreme weather events.
The issue also reached the legal arena when the Public Action Committee approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2025, alleging shortcomings in dam management and objecting to the withholding of critical public information. The decision to make the data available again is being seen as an outcome of sustained public and legal efforts seeking greater accountability.
Citizens and activists have expressed hope that the information will now continue to be shared regularly and transparently, ensuring that communities remain informed about changing water conditions and are better prepared for any future flood-related emergencies.
The development has been widely described as a step towards greater openness in public administration, reinforcing the principle that access to information is essential for public safety and effective disaster preparedness.