Punjab Asserts Control Over Dam Security; Seeks CISF Withdrawal
Babushahi Bureau
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, July 11, 2025 : Reaffirming its commitment to state autonomy, the Punjab Government on Thursday moved a resolution in the Vidhan Sabha demanding the withdrawal of the 2021 decision to deploy Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel for the security of Bhakhra and Nangal dams.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, who presented the resolution, termed the earlier decision—taken during former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s tenure—as unjustified. He said the Punjab Police is fully capable of managing the security of all dams in the state. He cited the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi dams, located near the international border, as examples where the state police have successfully ensured safety and security.
Goyal further accused the Centre of interfering in the state's jurisdiction by deploying CISF at Punjab dams. He stated, “The Centre is trying to loot Punjab’s dams,” and stressed that the matter must be immediately taken up with the Union Government to prevent any CISF deployment at dams or hydroelectric projects in the state.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan supported the resolution and noted that the Punjab Government had raised objections several times in the past, but the Centre continued with its plan. He emphasized that there have been no untoward incidents at any dam secured by Punjab Police, proving the force’s effectiveness.
Meanwhile, Congress legislators staged a walkout in protest and remained absent throughout the discussion on the resolution.