Punjab-Haryana Tensions Rise Over Water Dispute, BBMB Director Removed
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The dispute over water between Punjab and Haryana continues. Amidst this dispute, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has clearly said that we do not have a single drop of extra water to give to anyone. In another important development, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has removed Director (Water Regulation) Engr. Akashdeep Singh. He was posted in BBMB from Punjab quota. In his place, Engr. Sanjeev Kumar has been appointed as Director Regulation, who is appointed in the board from Haryana quota. Sanjeev was earlier the Director of Dam Safety.
Aam Aadmi Party MP Malvinder Singh Kang has taken Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu to task and has made a serious allegation against the Central Government and Haryana Government of conspiring against the interests of Punjab. Kang said that Punjab has given Haryana its full share of water, but now it is not possible to give additional water due to water shortage in Punjab. At the same time, Ravneet Singh Bittu said that when the whole country is united against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, CM Bhagwant Mann is choosing to divide the states on the issue of water. Not a single drop of Punjab's water will be given, but this is not the time to show off politically. At the same time, Aam Aadmi Party, under the leadership of Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, staged a protest outside the house of BJP leader Tarun Chugh on the issue of Punjab's water in Amritsar. Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia and other leaders were present on this occasion.
Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the decision to give Punjab's water to Haryana will never be tolerated. He said that today is only a symbolic protest, in the coming days there will be a strong protest by fighting a legal battle and taking to the streets. On the other hand, Union Minister of State for Railways S. Ravneet Singh Bittu posted on X that the AAP, which shed crocodile tears in the recent meeting, could not stick to its word. Even when Haryana demanded more water, their team remained silent without preparation and without any information. Why did CM Mann not defend Punjab's needs? BJP is firm: Not even a drop of Punjab's water will go anywhere else.
