Punjab Govt Must File FIR Against BBMB & IMD for Flood Devastation : Pargat Singh
Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Padma Shri Pargat Singh, MLA and Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, on the final day of the Punjab Assembly session, squarely held the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) responsible for pushing Punjab into floods. He demanded FIRs against both agencies, saying, “If Himachal Pradesh can file an FIR against BBMB, why not Punjab? Wrong decisions by BBMB and IMD’s wildly inaccurate forecasts—with variations ranging from 500% to 1900%—have devastated Punjab. These agencies must face a thorough probe so that accountability is fixed once and for all.”
Singh further pressed for Punjab to enact its own Dam Safety Act to gain full scientific control over water releases and to end Delhi’s dominance through BBMB. “Punjab cannot afford to be cheated of its rightful share of water. This is not the time for excuses but for asserting Punjab’s rights,” he said.
On Assembly Amendments
Pargat Singh raised sharp objections to several amended bills:
• Right to Business Bill: He warned that Section 12, which seeks to override central legislations like the Factories Act, Air Act, and Water Act, could collapse under legal challenge. He demanded safeguards for workers’ rights and environmental protections before passage.
• Seed Bill: He supported stricter penalties for seed fraud but criticized the lack of mechanisms to support farmers, weakened PAU research capacity, and dilution of punishments for water pollution into mere fines. “Punjab’s forest cover is already just 3.27%. Weakening safeguards will worsen climate and health risks,” he cautioned.
• Cooperative Societies Bill: Singh called for a differentiated capping fee structure so weaker societies are not crushed under uniform high fees.
• Property & Apartment Regulation Bill: He said the 35% guarantee clause would harm small developers while empowering large builders, urging that all authorities be bound to strict timelines. He also demanded clarity on whether the Land Pooling Policy is separate or linked.
Critique of AAP Government
Singh said the AAP government has lost moral ground. “Inside the Assembly they hold placards and stage walkouts; outside they make empty claims. A ruling party that abandons the House has lost the right to govern. They no longer carry the trust of the people.”
He advised CM Mann to adopt constructive politics: “Stop blaming Delhi, go to Delhi. Fight for Punjab, confront the Prime Minister. Unless Punjab’s leadership fights at the Centre, nothing will come to Punjab’s share.”
Flood Relief Disparities
Comparing central allocations, Singh highlighted: “Bihar, in election season, has been given ₹7,200 crore, while flood-ravaged Punjab gets a mere ₹1,600 crore. Even this amount is being politicized. The Centre is playing games with Punjab’s suffering families.”