Photo Source: ANI
BBMB to Punjab-Haryana High Court: States cannot control Board or block officials
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 5, 2025: The ongoing water-sharing dispute took a sharp legal turn in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today as the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) asserted its independent authority, stating that state governments cannot withhold its operations or interfere with its functioning.
After extended arguments, the High Court issued a notice to the Punjab government, directing it to submit its response by 3:00 PM on Tuesday.Punjab’s legal counsel requested that the response be filed after 3 PM, citing a pending Supreme Court hearing on the SYL canal matter.
BBMB’s counsel Rajesh Garg made several key submissions during the hearing:
- BBMB cannot be held on "state hold" by any individual state.
- The board does not have its own police force, limiting its ability to enforce decisions independently.
- No information or support has been received from the Centre, even though the situation is as sensitive as a national security issue, akin to Indo-Pak tension.
- BBMB engineers are reportedly being obstructed from carrying out their duties on the ground.
- When the board convenes a meeting, state representatives are obligated to attend, highlighting the board's statutory authority.
The case has sparked tensions between Punjab and Haryana, as the issue of water distribution grows more contentious amid depleting reserves and agricultural demands. The High Court will continue hearing the matter tomorrow.