Centre's Big Bhakra Dam Security Move Amid Punjab-Haryana Water Row

The central government took stern action, deploying Central Industrial Security Forces to protect the Bhakra Dam as the fresh cycle to water distribution started earlier today. Citing Punjab's needs, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said that no extra water would be shared with Haryana.

In the evening, the Union Home Ministry issued new orders asking the CISF to take charge of the Bhakra dam.  An amount of Rs 8.5 crore has been allocated and the government has approved 296 personnel of CISF.

Instructions have also been given to arrange for their accommodation and communication. 

Recently, the Punjab government had deployed police force at the dam and when the chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board or BBMB went to release water, he was taken hostage.

The water dispute between the two states has been raging since the BBMB's decision to release additional water to Haryana. It had decided to release 4,500 cusecs of extra water to Haryana for eight days to meet the state's urgent requirement.

Punjab contended that Haryana deserves no extra water since it has already used up its share. 

Punjab refused to comply and with a resolution in the state assembly, vowed not to spare even a single drop of water from its share.

The Aam Aadmi Party government alleged that the decision to release extra water was a favour to the BJP government of the neighbouring state.

The state subsequently took over the Nangal dam, accusing the BJP government of Haryana of trying to cut off its water supply.  

Punjab also deployed additional police personnel at the dam.
The matter went to court and two days later, the judges advised that Punjab comply with the BBMB decision.

Punjab has said that it would call for the reconstitution of the BBMB in the next meeting of the Niti Aayog over the weekend.